RMAF to join 7 nations for warfare exercise in Australia
BUTTERWORTH: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will join seven other countries in the Exercise Pitch Black 2018 warfare at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin in Australia later this year.
Seventy-three RMAF operations pilots will undergo a oneweek stint in September on actual air combat through simulation training.
RMAF chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang said this would be the second time Malaysian troops were joining the special training — a crucial exercise to keep up with the latest warfare technologies.
“It is similar to the Red Flag scenario, where our pilots will fly in a simulation exercise as if they are on an actual battlefield. It covers a range of outcomes from a warfare.
“It will be like a real war, but minus real weapons. All are done via simulations. The simulations will be recorded so that we can see whether our methods are effective.
“We will know our (capabilities) and learn a lot by being part of this exercise,” he said at the 60th anniversary celebration of RAAF in Malaysia at RMAF’s base here yesterday.
On the operational cost of sending personnel to Australia for the exercise, Affendi said it would not cost much as RAAF would provide the basic necessities, including accommodation.
Exercise Pitch Black, hosted by RAAF, will help air force personnel practise Offensive Counter Air and Defensive Counter Air combat in a simulated war environment. Singapore, India, Thailand, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates will join the exercise this year.
The anniversary celebration was grand, with a march pass, as well as a display of RAAF and RMAF warfare planes. RAAF veterans attended the event.
RAAF chief Marshal Leo Davies said the relationship between Malaysia and Australia was important in ensuring the stability of the region.
He said the preparedness of air force personnel of both countries enabled a more effective monitoring of external threats to the countries.
“RMAF has always been one of our important strategic partners. We have come through a long way — 60 years. We are looking forward to the next 60 years with RMAF.”
There are 250 RAAF personnel based at the RMAF Butterworth base.