Italian Eurofighter Crashes while Participating in Australian Exercise , Pilot Rescued

An Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon crashed today while flying during exercise Pitch Black 2024 in Australia, which marks Italy's first participation in the multinational exercise.

The crash occurred for unknown reasons in the Douglas Daly region of the Northern Territory, southwest of Darwin.

According to an Italian Air Force statement, the pilot successfully ejected from the F-2000, as the Eurofighters are called in Italy, and was rescued. "He is in good health and is undergoing medical tests at a hospital. No further damage was reported."

Local media reported that flying activities for Exercise Pitch Black 2024 have been temporarily suspended following the incident.

Exercise Pitch Black is a three-week multinational exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force from July 12 to August 2, 2024. This year's edition is the largest ever, featuring 21 international participants and over 140 aircraft. It includes first-time participants from Italy, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Spain, Brunei, and Fiji.

The event takes place in northern Australia, with fighter operations based at RAAF Bases Tindal and Darwin, and support aircraft operating from Amberley. An Italian Air Force detachment of 400 personnel arrived at RAAF Base Darwin on July 5, 2024. The contingent includes six F-35A and F-35B Lightning II, four Eurofighter Typhoons, and one G550 CAEW, supported by KC-767 and C-130J aircraft.