A foreign aircraft crashed Wednesday during a large multinational military exercise in northern Australia, according to a defence official, who said the pilot ejected and was “safe and well”.

Emergency responders and defence officials said the aircraft crashed near the northern city of Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black 24. An Italian official said the aircraft was believed to be part of his country’s contingent, but had no further details.

“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 10.45am 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.