IAF sends Sukhois, C-17 aircrafts and 100 personnel for Pitch Black exercise in Australia

New Delhi, Aug 20: In order to strengthen defence relations with Royal Australian Air Force, an Indian Air Force contingent has reached Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2022.

 

The military exercise is scheduled to be held from August 19 to Spetember 8 in Darwin, Australia. This is a biennial, multi-national exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

 

 

The IAF contingent is led by Group Captain YPS Negi comprising over 100 air warriors, deployed with four Su-30 MKI fighter and two C-17 aircraft. They will undertake multi-domain air combat missions in a complex environment and will exchange best practices with the participating air forces.

 

 

It will focus on Large Force Employment warfare. Previously, the edition was conducted in 2018 while the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's exercise will see the participation of over 100 aircraft and 2500 military personnel from 17 countries.

Taking to Twitter, the official handle of the IAF shared, "Successful execution of the first edition of the exercise is testimony to the professional capabilities, mutual understanding & shared commitment of the two Air Forces. The IAF contingent now moves on to RAAF Darwin, Australia for Pitch Black 2022.

Exercise commander Air Commodore Tim Alsop said the return of Pitch Black marked an excellent opportunity to strengthen partnerships and promote regional stability. The RAAF said the exercise recognises Australia's strong relationships and the high value it placed on regional security and fostering close ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

 

"Pitch Black is a large force employment exercise, driven by fighter combat scenarios. This year, significant efforts have been made to advance the air-to-air refuelling capability between many of the participating nations," Alsop was quoted in a RAAF release.

 

 

"Air-to-air refuelling is a force multiplier, providing essential reach to our combat aircraft. Working with many of the participating nations aims to increase our force projection and maximise our capability," he added. The RAAF said the exercise will include day and night flying and will be undertaken with consideration given to minimising the impact on the local community and the environment.