Exercise Pitch Black 2024: Military Exercise Hosted By RAAF

• 12 Jul 2024

The Exercise Pitch Black 2024 is scheduled to be conducted from 12th July 2024 to 2nd August 2024.

• It is a biennial, multi- national exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). India is taking part in the exercise.

Key Points

• The name 'Pitch Black' was derived from the emphasis on night time flying over large un-populated areas.
• The exercise is held every two years.
• This edition is slated to be the largest in the 43 year long history of Ex Pitch Black, which includes participation by 20 countries, with over 140 aircraft and 4400 military personnel of various air forces.
• The exercise will be focusing on Large Force Employment warfare aimed at strengthening international cooperation and shall facilitate experience enhancement with the Indian Air force (IAF) Su-30 MKI operating alongside the F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen and Typhoon fighter aircraft.
• The exercise will be conducted primarily from RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory; with additional aircraft operating from RAAF Base Amberley, located near Ipswich in Queensland.
• The IAF has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions of this exercise.