[pib] IAF participation in Ex Pitch Black 2018PIBPrelims Only

Note4students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Ex Pitch Black 2018

Mains level: Not Much

News

Ex Pitch Black

1. The Indian Air Force for the first time is participating with fighter aircraft in Exercise Pitch Black 2018 (PB-18), which is scheduled in Australia.
2. It would aim to undertake simulated air combat exercises in a controlled environment and mutual exchange of best practices towards enhancing IAF operational capability.
3. Ex Pitch Black is a biennial multi-national large force employment warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

 IAF Contingent

1. The IAF contingent consists of 145 air-warriors including Garud team, 04 X Su-30 MKI, 01 X C-130 and 01 X C-17.
2. The contingent will assemble at   Air Force Station Kalaikunda and depart for the exercise on 19 Jul 18 from India to Australia via Indonesia.
3. During the flight from India to Australia and back, Su-30 MKI will carry out air to air refueling with IL-78 tankers.
4. After completion of the exercise, on its return leg from Darwin to Subang, Su-30 MKI will be refueled in air for the first time by RAAF KC-30A.

 Benefits of such exercises

1. The exercise will provide unique opportunity for exchange of knowledge and experience with these nations in a dynamic warfare environment.
2. Participation in multinational air exercise assumes importance in view of the continued engagement of the IAF with friendly foreign countries.
3. Over the last decade, IAF has been actively participating in operational exercises hosted by various countries, wherein collaborative engagements undertaken with the best air forces in the world.