Exercise Pitch Black is scheduled from 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 is scheduled from July 24 to August 18.
According to the press note released by PIB, Indian Air Force is undertaking simulated air combat exercises in a controlled environment and mutual exchange of best practices towards enhancing IAF operational capability.
Indian contingent consists 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 is leading the contingent. During the flight from India to Australia and back, Su-30 MKI will carry out air to air refuelling with IL-78 tankers. After completion of the exercise, on its return leg from Darwin to Subang, Su-30 MKI will be refuelled in the air for the first time by RAAF KC-30A.
#PitchBlack2018 : Indian Air Force sets course for International Exercise Pitch Black 2018, today. Pitch Black is a biennial, 3 week, multi-national exercise conducted at RAAF Base Darwin & RAAF Base Tindal, Australia.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) July 19, 2018
Details on https://t.co/mgDIwtDwaP@Aus_AirForce pic.twitter.com/kTn42MN4PB
Let's take a look at how Indian contingent is engaging with their counterparts from Down Under.
1. Enroute Australia
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Called the Globe Masters this carrier plane was resting in Kupang, Indonesia as Indian Air Force did a stopover before reaching Australia. (Twitter - @IAF_MCC)
2. Sukhoi
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This was the first time Indian Air Force's Su-30 or commonly known as the Sukhoi planes crossed the equator. (Twitter - @IAF_MCC)
3. Indian Air Force's Sukhoi pilots
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The pilots of mighty Sukhoi look dashing posing in front their magnificent machines in Darwin, Australia. (Twitter - @IAF_MCC)
4. Indian Air Force contingent in Australia
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Led by Group Captain CUV Rao VM, 145 air-warriors strong team looks confident, happy, ready to take learn and take on new challenges. (Twitter - @IAF_MCC)
5. Collaborative efforts pay off
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Member of Indian contingent onboard RAAF's C-130J plane called Hercules. (Twitter - @IAF_MCC)
6. Learning how Rafale works
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Working with French Air Force, members of Indian contingent tried their hands at learning how Rafale planes function. (Twitter - @IAF_MCC)
7. Inspiring GenNext
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On the second open day for the public, member of the Royal Australian Air Force teaches a young one the art of camouflage. (Twitter - @Aus_AirForce)
8. Open days are incomplete without doggos
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A canine friend of RAAF shows off his catch skills for the crowd on the open day. (Twitter - @Aus_AirForce)
9. Selfie Time
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Indian fighter pilots oblige the elderly's selfie request. Who wouldn't want to remember the day they met the men who 'Touch the Sky with Glory'? (Twitter - @Aus_AirForce)
10. Desis abroad meet true Indian heroes
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Proud Indians in Australia were delighted to meet Indian contingent on first open day of Exercise Pitch Black. Pilots of Indian Air Force seem to have enjoyed their time engaging the crowd. (Twitter - @IAF_MCC)
11. Sukhoi Take Off
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SU-30 is ready to touch the sky with glory! (Twitter - @Aus_AirForce)
