EXERCISE PITCH BLACK 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent reached at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2024.

Exercise Pitch Black 2024

• About: It is a biennial, multi-national exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
• Name: The name ‘Pitch Black’ was derived from the emphasis on nighttime flying over large unpopulated areas.
• Largest Edition in History: The 2024 edition is slated to be the largest in the 43-year-long history of Ex Pitch Black, including participation by 20 countries, with over 140 aircraft and 4400 military personnel from various air forces.
• Force Integration: The exercise provides the Indian Air Force (IAF) with an opportunity for force integration with participating nations and the mutual exchange of best practices.
• Previous Participation: The IAF has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions of this exercise.
• Focus: The exercise focuses on Large Force Employment warfare aimed at strengthening international cooperation, with the IAF Su-30 MKI operating alongside F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen, and Typhoon fighter aircraft.
• IAF Contingent: The IAF contingent comprises over 150 highly skilled Air Warriors, including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers, and other subject matter experts, operating the Su-30 MKI multirole fighters, with the C-17 Globemaster and IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in combat enabling roles.
• Strengthening Deployment and Operations: The exercise provides an excellent opportunity for participating nations to strengthen their ability to deploy over large distances, support integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region, and build strong aviation associations in a highly challenging environment.