Filipino Pilots Earn 'Rockstar' Accolades at Australia's Exercise Pitch Black

Philippine Air Force fighter pilots earned praise from their international counterparts for their exceptional performance during Exercise Pitch Black 2026, one of the world's largest multinational air combat exercises, held in Darwin, Australia. This marks the second participation for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the Royal Australian Air Force-hosted exercise, following their debut in 2024. This time, the Filipino contingent, previously dubbed 'rockstars,' were entrusted with greater responsibilities. Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro expressed immense pride, stating, "We are also very proud to have had the first Filipino fighter pilot to be qualified as a force commander, leading a force of 40 fighter aircraft." The Filipino commander successfully led the aircraft force of 40 during an exercise involving 60 participating planes. During his visit to witness the pilots, Teodoro also met with Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, who acknowledged the AFP's significant presence in the exercise. Despite deploying only four FA-50 fighter jets, the Philippine contingent comprised 166 personnel, including support staff. Lieutenant Colonel Mario Mendoza remarked, "They think that our capability is limited, but with this, it is like they recognize that we could keep up because of the upgrades made to the FA-50 from 2024 to 2026." Major Jul Laiza Camposano-Beran, the Philippines' first female fighter jet pilot, was among the few women participating in the exercise. She shared her experience, "The rush of emotions, the adrenaline, how you escape if the enemy locks in on you, how you get away from that, how you survive. How can you prolong at least that span of time so you do not die right away," she said in a mix of English and Filipino. The exercise has concluded, and the Manila contingent is scheduled to return to the Philippines on Friday night. Source: GMA News Philippines