IAF Join Largest-Ever Exercise Pitch Black 2024 in Australia

Exercise Pitch Black 2024 is a biennial multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at Base Darwin.

Overview of Exercise Pitch Black 2024

Indian Air Force (IAF) joins biennial multinational air combat exercise
Hosted by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at Base Darwin
Dates: July 12 to August 2, 2024
Largest iteration in 43-year history
20 participating countries
Over 140 aircraft and 4,400 military personnel involved
Focus on nighttime flying over vast, unpopulated areas

Indian Air Force (IAF) Participation

Contingent of over 150 skilled personnel
- Pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers, and subject matter experts
Aircraft deployment:
- Su-30 MKI multirole fighters
- C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft
- IL-78 air-to-air refueling aircraft
Third participation for IAF (previous: 2018 and 2022)
Arrived at RAAF Base Darwin on July 11, 2024

Exercise Objectives and Focus

Large Force Employment (LFE) warfare
Strengthen international cooperation
Enhance operational experience and interoperability
Improve ability to deploy over large distances
Support integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region
Build strong aviation associations in challenging environments
Facilitate experience exchange with various fighter aircraft:
- F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen, and Typhoon

Strategic Importance and Expected Outcomes

Force integration among participating nations
Develop mutual understanding of different operational doctrines
Share best practices across diverse air forces
Strengthen Indo-Pacific strategy

For IAF:

- Enhanced operational experience in diverse combat scenarios
- Improved understanding of advanced fighter aircraft capabilities
- Strengthened diplomatic and military ties

For international participants:

- Insight into IAF's operational doctrine and capabilities
- Improved coordination in multinational operations
- Enhanced mutual trust and cooperation

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