An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent landed today at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2024. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from July 12-August 2 and is a biennial, multi-national exercise hosted by the RAAF, IAF said here on Thursday.
Giving details, officials said IAF contingent comprises of over 150 highly skilled Air Warriors including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other subject matter experts, who 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 combat enabling roles.
The name 'Pitch Black' was derived from the emphasis on night time flying over large un-populated areas. This edition is slated to be the largest in the 43 year long history of Ex Pitch Black, which includes participation by 20 countries, with over 140 aircraft and 4400 military personnel of various air forces.
The exercise will be focusing on Large Force Employment warfare aimed at strengthening international cooperation and shall facilitate experience enhancement with the IAF Su-30 MKI operating alongside the F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen and Typhoon fighter aircraft.
The exercise would provide IAF with an opportunity towards force integration with participating nations and mutual exchange of best practices.