An Italian fighter jet crashed Wednesday during a large multinational military exercise in northern Australia, according to defence officials who said the pilot was safe after ejecting from the plane.
It was not known what caused the Eurofighter Typhoon warplane to crash in the middle of a training flight, Italy’s defence ministry said in a brief statement.
“The pilot quickly ejected. He is in good health and is completing medical tests at a hospital” the Italian military said.
Australian emergency responders and defence officials said the aircraft crashed near the northern city of Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black 24.
“Defence can confirm an international participant in Exercise Pitch Black 24 is safe and well after ejecting from their aircraft this morning during flying operations,” an Australian defence department official said in a statement.
“All flying for the remainder of the day has been cancelled.”
The Australian defence department said the crash occurred around 10.45 am local time (0115 GMT).
The pilot “made immediate contact with aircrew in the area via radio following their ejection”.
Police said the plane crashed about 18 kilometres (11 miles) southwest of the rural township of Daly River, a cattle farming and fishing hub with a population of less than 500.