An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has touched down at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base in Darwin, Australia, to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2024.
Scheduled to run from 12 July to 2 August 2024, this biennial, multinational exercise is hosted by the RAAF.
The name ‘Pitch Black’ underscores the emphasis on night-time flying over vast, unpopulated areas.
This year’s edition promises to be the largest in the 43-year history of Exercise Pitch Black, featuring participation from 20 countries.
The exercise will involve over 140 aircraft and 4,400 military personnel from various air forces around the world.
It will also focus on Large Force Employment warfare, aimed at strengthening international cooperation and enhancing the operational experience of the IAF’s Su-30 MKI as they operate alongside the F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen, and Typhoon fighter aircraft.
The IAF contingent consists of over 150 highly skilled Air Warriors, including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers, and other experts. They will be operating the formidable Su-30 MKI multirole fighters, with the C-17 Globemaster and the IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in supporting combat roles.
This exercise offers the IAF a valuable opportunity for force integration with participating nations and the mutual exchange of best practices.
Exercise Pitch Black 2024 provides an excellent opportunity to enhance the participating nations’ capabilities to deploy over large distances, support integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region, and build strong aviation partnerships in a highly challenging environment.
The IAF has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions of this exercise, continuing its tradition of international collaboration and skill enhancement.
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