Manila, July 14 -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has deployed "two elements of FA-50 (fighter jets) and a C-130" in this year's iteration of the biennial "Pitch Black" air combat exercise in Northern Australia, set from July 17 to Aug. 7.

An element refers to a military air formation consisting of one lead and one trail aircraft.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco told journalists Tuesday that the aircraft were joined by a contingent of more than 200 PAF personnel, who include pilots, technicians, and so-called air battle controllers who will be overseeing parts of the exercise.

She described Pitch Black as "the Royal Australian Air Force's premier biennial multinational air combat exercise."

"Bringing together air forces fro...