In preparation for Exercise Pitch Black 2024, a contingent of the Indian Air Force (IAF) touched down at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, Australia. The RAAF is hosting this biennial, multi-national exercise, which is slated to take place from July 12 to August 2, 24. The emphasis on flying over vast, unpopulated areas at night gave rise to the moniker “Pitch Black.” Ex Pitch Black is expected to have its largest edition in its 43-year existence, including 20 countries, more than 140 aircraft, and 4400 military personnel from various air services. 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 formidable Su-30 MKI multirole fighters will be operated by over 150 highly skilled Air Warriors from the IAF, including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers, and other subject matter experts. The IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft and the C-17 Globemaster will play combat enabling roles. The exercise would give the IAF a chance to share best practices and move towards force integration with the participating countries.
The exercise offers a great chance to improve the participating countries’ capacity for long-distance deployment, support coordinated operations in the Indo-Pacific area, and forge solid aviation relationships in a demanding setting. The IAF has already taken part in this exercise in the years 2018 and 2022
