While fighter formations carved contrails across the Top End sky during Exercise Pitch Black, another story unfolded at low levels and out of a cargo ramp.

Across multiple separate missions during Pitch Black, RAAF, the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Spanish Air and Space Force (SPAF) have flown Tactical Airlift (TAL) and airdrop serials in a C-27J Spartan, a C-130J Hercules and an A400M Atlas respectively. 

The aim of the mission: deliver critical cargo to remote drop zones while 'under attack' from a simulated enemy force.

It's a capability that rarely draws the same attention as fast jets, but without it, no operation endures.

USAF Loadmaster Staff Sergeant Noah Isom said TAL is the ability to move people and supplies into places no road, rail line or runway can reach.

“Airlift is the movement of personnel or pieces of cargo in a tactical environment, [no matter where] it is across the globe,” Staff Sergeant Isom said.

“In a real mission, that might mean resupplying personnel cut off from conventional logistics or getting critical equipment into a location – wherever cargo needs to move, we’re there. 

“The fighter jets are basically keeping the enemy aircraft at bay for us, so we can get back and continue our tactical drop mission.” 

'Wherever cargo needs to move, we’re there.'

RAAF loadmaster Corporal Matthew Milligan said TAL was a multi-role mission as part of Pitch Black, and he enjoyed the experience of integrating with international partners. 

“For this mission, we simulat[ed] the insertion and extracting of personnel at a remote airfield,” Corporal Milligan said. 

Under threat or difficult conditions, aircrew must fly low, fast and precisely, while the loadmaster prepares, rigs and releases cargo within a tight window over the drop zone.

This task required exact timing, spatial awareness and trust between aircrew.

SPAF Flight Sergeant Jorge Garin said flying that mission alongside international partners added another layer of value.

“We have never worked with the Australian Air Force before. So, for Spain, it’s pretty important to be here and to fly with them and other nations to learn their procedures,” Flight Sergeant Garin said.

By exercising these serials together, RAAF, USAF and SPAF build the fighting depth underpinning coalition airlift in a real crisis.