‘Pitch Black' 2026: US, Australian F-35A units build interchangeability at Tindal

A Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II pilot prepares to take off from RAAF Base Tindal on 27 July 2026. (Janes/Akhil Kadidal)

US and Australian F-35A Lightning II units operating from Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Tindal during Exercise ‘Pitch Black' 2026 are working to advance joint operational capabilities, including a programme that would enable US Air Force (USAF) and RAAF pilots to fly each other's aircraft, Australian and US military officials said.

During a media tour at Tindal on 28 July, the USAF and RAAF demonstrated joint F-35A operations, with pilots walking out to F-35As from a shared shelter, starting the aircraft, and departing together to participate in the exercise.

The exercise is an “opportunity to increase our skills”, said US Colonel Joseph L Gilpin, commander of the USAF 354th Maintenance Group, adding that this includes cross-servicing aircraft and enabling USAF pilots to fly Australian-operated F-35As.

According to the USAF, two US pilots flew RAAF F-35As for the first time during Exercise ‘Talisman Sabre' in July 2025. Wing Commander Matthew ‘Devo' Deveson, commander of No 75 Squadron, which operates F-35As at Tindal, added that the “process is underway” to enable RAAF pilots to fly USAF Lightning IIs.

The cross-servicing and cross-flying activities form part of an initiative called Lightning-X, according to Wg Cdr Deveson. “We're trying to continue to build momentum with our interoperability and interchangeability,” he said.

The initiative suggests that participating USAF and RAAF F-35As feature compatible sensor configurations, although Wg Cdr Deveson said the aircraft in the programme have varying standards.

Janes has previously reported that the RAAF's F-35A fleet includes at least nine aircraft upgraded to the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) configuration, while older aircraft are awaiting the upgrade.