Context:

The Indian Airforce (IAF) is participating in the Pitch Black exercise hosted by Australia from 12 July to 02 August 2024.

More on the news

• The IAF contingent, comprising over 150 highly skilled air warriors, including the subject matter experts,  landed in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base in Darwin.
• IAF contingent will be operating the formidable Su-30 MKI multirole fighters, with the C-17 Globemaster and the IL-78 Air-to-Air refuelling aircraft
• The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base at Darwin, Australia, is hosting this biennial, multi-national exercise.
• This edition is one of the largest which includes participation by 20 countries, with over 140 aircraft and 4400 military personnel.

Exercise Pitch Black

• The name 'Pitch Black' was derived from the emphasis on nighttime flying over large, unpopulated areas.
• The exercise strengthens the participating nations' ability to deploy over large distances, support integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region and build strong aviation associations in a highly challenging environment. 
• The IAF has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions of this exercise.

India’s Some other exercises with Australia

• AUSTRAHIND: annual armed forces exercise started in 2022
• AUSINDEX: A biennial maritime exercise started in 2015