A Eurofighter Typhoon belonging to the Italian Air Force has crashed for unknown reasons in the Douglas-Daly region of the Northern Territory, Australia. The aircraft was part of those deployed in Australia for the Exercise Pitch Black 2024 training exercises.
According to the Italian Air Force, the pilot successfully ejected from the F-2000 (as Eurofighter jets are called in Italy) and was rescued.
“He is in good health and is completing medical examinations at the hospital. No further injuries have been reported,” stated the Air Force.
Local news reported that flights within the Exercise Pitch Black 2024 training exercises have been temporarily suspended following the incident.
Exercise Pitch Black 2024 is a major combat training exercise conducted biennially by the Royal Australian Air Force. This year, it runs from July 12 to August 2, involving over 20 countries and more than 140 aircraft from around the world, making it the largest iteration of the exercise to date. The event takes place in northern Australia, with fighter jets concentrated at the RAAF bases in Tindal and Darwin, and tankers and tactical aircraft based in Amberley.
Italy participated in these exercises for the first time. A mixed unit of the Italian Air Force, comprising 400 personnel, was deployed to the Italian Air Force base in Darwin at the beginning of July. The contingent includes six F-35A and F-35B Lightning II aircraft, four Eurofighter Typhoon jets, and one G550 CAEW (Conformal Airborne Early Warning) aircraft, supported by KC-767 and C-130J aircraft.
After the exercise concludes, the aircraft and personnel of the Italian Air Force will relocate to Misawa, Japan, to participate in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Rising Sun 2024 exercises. They also plan joint exercises with the Navy, involving the landing of two Italian Air Force F-35B aircraft on the aircraft carrier Cavour.
Soon after canceling the €1.2 billion KC-46 program, the Ministry of Defense requested approval to purchase 24 new Eurofighter Typhoons and to restore technical and logistical support for the entire fleet. Details are not disclosed, but it is expected that by August 13, the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and the Budget Committee will evaluate the request and make a decision. Upon approval, the parties will begin working on the contract, and more details will become available.
Rumors of acquiring a new batch of European fighters for the Italian Air Force had been circulating for some time, but until now, they had not been confirmed. Recently, we reported that the Italian Air Force is also seeking replacements for its KC-767 tanker aircraft.
Source: theaviationist
