IAF Join Largest-Ever Exercise Pitch Black 2024 in Australia

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