During the Pitch Black 24 multinational exercise, the Air Force visits New Zealand in order to expand its military relations with the island state. Together with its partners France and Spain, which are also involved in Pacific Skies 24, it thus demonstrates its operational readiness and solidarity with partners with shared values in the region.

Why does a German A400M fly to New Zealand?
From 20 July to 1 August, the Air Force participates in the “Pitch Black 24” multinational air combat exercise in Australia. This participation is part of the global deployment named “Pacific Skies 24”, an exercise project by which the Air Force demonstrates its global operational readiness, together with its European partners France and Spain. At the same time, it expands its relations with regional partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region. In this context, the Air Force also visits remote New Zealand for the first time in history – also with its partners France and Spain – in order to consolidate its military relations with strategic partners throughout this key region. For this purpose, the Air Force sends an A400M transport aircraft to New Zealand.
What role does New Zealand play in “Pitch Black 24”?
New Zealand participates in the “Pitch Black 24” multinational exercise with support personnel and thus contributes to the success of the exercise.
What is the basis on which the German Air Force operates in the Indo-Pacific region?
As a driver for global growth, the Indo-Pacific region is a key region for the 21st century. With the deployment to this region, the Air Force fills the Indo-Pacific guidelines of the Federal Government with life and expands the politico-military relations with allied partners in the region. New Zealand is a partner with shared values who supports the rules-based world order. In addition, by sending units to the other end of the world, the Air Force demonstrates its operational readiness and performance capability.

From where does the A400M fly to Australia?
During the “Pitch Black 24” exercise, the two German A400M aircraft are stationed at the air base of the Royal Australian Air Force in Amberley at the Australian east coast. From there, the flight to New Zealand takes off on 23 July, leaving the country again on 25 July. The A400M aircraft are not involved in exercise operations but provide logistic support to the deployment in terms of materiel and personnel transport.
Autor: Bundeswehr/Cedric Kortenbruck
Originator: Bundeswehr/Luftwaffe