In a developing story, an Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet has crashed in the Douglas Daly region, approximately halfway between Daly River Mission Airport (YDMN) and Anson Bay, south of the Daly River, during Exercise Pitch Black 2024. The information is according to a social media post by Darwin Aircraft Movements.
Fortunately, the pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft and was promptly rescued by a civilian CHOP41 helicopter (VH-RQY, A139) at approximately 1:05 PM local time. The pilot was then airlifted to the Royal Darwin Hospital and is reported to be safe and in good condition.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. The remaining Italian Air Force contingent at RAAF Base Darwin is likely cooperating with Australian authorities to determine the cause of the accident and recover the wreckage.
This incident comes amidst Italian Air Force’s historic joint deployment with the Navy for Pitch Black 2024. The deployment involves a variety of aircraft, including F-35 fighter jets, EF-2000 Eurofighters, KC-767 refueling tankers, and an G-550 CAEW aircraft. Additionally, the deployment involves plans for joint training between the Italian Air Force and Navy, with the aircraft carrier Cavour embarking two Italian Air Force F-35B jets.
This deployment also marks the first time an Italian aircraft carrier has participated in Pitch Black and signifies Italy’s growing naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. The Cavour, boasting a length of 244 meters and equipped with advanced aircraft like the F-35B and AV-8B Harrier II Plus.
This deployment aligns with Italy’s stated goal of strengthening its logistical projection capabilities. The ability to rapidly deploy a Large Force Element (LFE) with a mix of advanced aircraft and support assets demonstrates Italy’s growing power projection capabilities on a global scale.
Following Pitch Black, the Italian Air Force is supposed to transition to Misawa, Japan on 5th August, for Exercise Rising Sun 2024 alongside the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). It is unknown now whether the trip to Japan will proceed.