Large Joint European Air Force Exercise in Indo-Pacific

JAKARTA – Pacific Skies 2024 is a series of military exercises involving air forces from several European countries, including Germany, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, in collaboration with air forces from the United States, Australia, Japan, and India.

The exercise will take place between June 27 and August 15, 2024, with the aim of enhancing operational capabilities and strengthening international cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Pacific Skies 2024 includes a variety of exercises, including low-altitude flights, air strikes, air defenses and aerial refueling.

The exercise begins with “Low Level Training” in Alaska on June 17-29, 2024, followed by the “Arctic Defender” exercise also in Alaska on July 8-18, 2024.

The exercise then moved to Japan for the “Nippon Skies” exercise and India for the “Tarang Shakti” exercise in early August. The exercise also included participation in joint exercises such as “Pitch Black” in Australia and “Rim of the Pacific” in Hawaii.

Pacific Skies 2024 aims to demonstrate the commitment of European countries to stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as to strengthen cooperative relations with partner countries in the region.

Exercise Pacific Skies 2024 involves 48 aircraft from the three air forces. Pacific Skies 2024 consists of five exercise segments taking place at five different locations around the world, namely:

1. Arctic Defender di Alaska
2. Nippon Skies in Japan
3. Pitch Black di Australia
4. Tarang Shakti 1 in India
5. RIMPAC 2024 in Hawaii (only Germany participating)

The exercise covers a variety of scenarios, including low-level flights, air strikes, air defense and aerial refueling.

Pacific Skies 2024 will also be the last chance for the German Tornado fleet to show off on the international stage before retiring.

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