Exercise Pich Black was conducted between July 24 to August 18.
The Indian Air Force was invited for the first time to participate in Exercise Pitch Black -- a biennial multi-national large force employment warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). This exercise was conducted between July 24 to August 18.
Indian contingent consisted of 145 air-warriors including Garud team, 04 X Su-30 MKI, 01 X C-130 and 01 X C-17. Group Captain CUV Rao VM was leading the contingent.
IAF men created many histories during the nearly month long exercise.
Here's one of them:
#ExPitchBlack18 : Making History...
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 17, 2018
During the Ex. A team of IAF PJI's, Special Forces 'GARUDS' along with RAAF special forces, undertook Combat Free Fall from C-27J Spartan Aircraft.
It's the first time that 'Team IAF' jumped in the Southern Hemisphere from a Foreign Aircraft. pic.twitter.com/XCrsQ4n5CG
IAF team is returning to India after brief stop in Malaysia.
1. The Flanker Fixers
)
The Maintenance & Technical crew with the formidable machines. (Image courtesy IAF_MCC)
2. The successful team
)
IAF team achieved its set goals in the exercise. Image courtesy @IAF_MCC
3. Friendly visit
)
The French Air Force with the Su-30MKI. (Image courtesy @IAF_MCC)
4. With the Thai contingent
)
Royal Thai Air Force with the Su-30MKI. (Image courtesy @IAF_MCC)
5. Big boys bid adieu
)
The big boys C-17 & C-130 & the fast jets bid adieu to 'down under' Australia. Image courtesy @IAF_MCC
6. The Beast!
)
#ExPitchBlack18 : During the exercise Pitch Black, Aircrew of 77 Sqn, RAAF got a ride in Su-30MKI (Flanker) aircraft of Indian Air Force. (Image courtesy @IAF_MCC)
7. All ready for pack-up
)
The 'big boys' all set up to return home after successful exercise. (Image courtesy @IAF_MCC)
8. Done and dusted!
)
IAF team packing up after the exercise. (Image courtesy @IAF_MCC)
