New Delhi: An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has reached the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin to participate in the largest edition so far of the biennial Exercise Pitch Black.
This edition, from 12 July to 2 August, will see participation by 20 countries, with over 140 aircraft and 4,400 military personnel of various air forces.
The multinational exercise hosted is by the RAAF. The name “Pitch Black” was derived from the emphasis on night-time flying over large unpopulated areas.
In a press statement, the IAF said, “The exercise, which will be focusing on ‘Large Force Employment’ warfare is 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 150-strong IAF contingent comprises pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other subject matter experts. The Indian aircraft that will participate in the exercise include the Su-30 MKI multirole fighters, the C-17 Globemaster and the IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft in combat enabling roles.
One of the advantages according to the IAF’s press statement is that the exercise provides an “excellent” opportunity to strengthen the ability of the participating nations to deploy over large distances, support integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region and build strong aviation associations in a highly challenging environment. The IAF has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions of this exercise.
The exercise initially began as unilateral, but in 1983 became a joint Australia-US training event. Apart from Australia and India, countries that are regular participants include France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
Other countries such as Brunei, Canada, Fiji and New Zealand have a few personnel participating in the exercise. Countries participating for the first time include Papua New Guinea, Italy, Spain and the Philippines.
An aircraft carrier, Italy’s ITS Cavour, will participate this time — a first for Exercise Pitch Black.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)
Also read: India’s indigenous light tank ‘Zorawar’ unveiled, fastest product development by DRDO, L&T