An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent is participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 which is scheduled to be conducted from 12 July 24 to 02 August 24 in Australia
About Exercise Pitch Black:
- It is a biennial and multi-national exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
o The name 'Pitch Black' was derived from the emphasis on night time flying over large unpopulated areas.
- The 2024 edition is slated to be the largest in the 43-year-long history of Ex Pitch Black, which includes participation by 20 countries, with over 140 aircraft and 4400 military personnel of various air forces.
- The exercise will focus 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 IAF contingent comprises over 150 highly skilled Air Warriors including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other subject matter experts, who will be operating the formidable Su-30 MKI multirole fighters, with the C -17 Globemaster and the IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in combat enabling roles.
- The exercise would provide IAF with an opportunity towards force integration with participating nations and mutual exchange of best practices.
- Significance: The exercise provides an excellent opportunity for strengthening 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.
- Previous participation of India: The IAF has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions of this exercise.
Other Exercises:
o Ex AUSTRA HIND (Army)
o Ex AUSINDEX (Navy)
o Malabar Exercise (With the Navies of USA, India, Australia and Japan)
UPSC Prelims PYQ : 2024
Ques : Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?
1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operation was a goal of this operation.
4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Ans : d)
