IAF Contingent Arrives in Australia for Largest Ever 'Exercise Pitch Black' 2024

The Indian Air Force contingent has arrived at RAAF Base Darwin to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2024. Scheduled from July 12 to August 2, the biennial event will see participation from 20 countries, featuring over 140 aircraft and 4,400 military personnel.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent touched down today at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin in Australia to partake in Exercise Pitch Black 2024, according to an official release by the IAF. The biennial, multinational military exercise is set to run from July 12 to August 2, focusing on nocturnal flying maneuvers over vast uninhabited areas.

This year's edition will be the largest in the 43-year history of Exercise Pitch Black, featuring participants from 20 nations, involving over 140 aircraft and 4,400 military personnel from various air forces. The event will emphasize Large Force Employment warfare to enhance international cooperation, with the IAF's Su-30 MKI operating alongside F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen, and Typhoon fighter jets.

The IAF's delegation includes over 150 skilled Air Warriors, including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers, and other experts. They will utilize the Su-30 MKI multirole fighters, along with the C-17 Globemaster and IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in specific roles. The exercise aims to foster force integration with other nations and facilitate the exchange of best practices.

The exercise serves as an excellent platform for enhancing the capabilities of participating nations to operate over long distances, support integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region, and build strong aviation ties under demanding conditions. The IAF previously joined the 2018 and 2022 iterations of this exercise, the official release noted.