INDIA. Mumbai: The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent returned to India after successfully participating in the multinational exercise “Pitch Black 22”, held over three weeks in Australia, on Tuesday.
The exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at its Darwin Air Base, from August 19 to September 8, saw the participation of 17 Air Forces and over 2500 military personnel in offensive and defensive counter-air combat drills, the official statement said.
India, Germany, France, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, the United States, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Thailand, Canada, and the Netherlands participated, apart from Australia, the host nation.
While India participated in the exercise in 2018 for the first time, Japan, Germany, and the Republic of Korea participated for the first time this year in a biennial exercise.
The IAF contingent, led by Group Captain YPS Negi, comprised over 100 air warriors deployed with four Su-30 MKI fighters and two C-17 aircraft. They undertook multi-domain air combat drills daily and night, simulating complex aerial scenarios involving large formations in a complex environment, and exchanged best practices with the participating air forces.
The exercise provided an opportunity for the air forces to share best practices and experiences. The statement said that the event witnessed a collaborative spirit that has led to a better understanding of each other’s capabilities and bonhomie that will lead to enduring ties between the participating nations.
AOC-in- C visits Sonegaon Air Force Station
Meanwhile, Air Marshal AP Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, and Mrs Sarita Singh, President of Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Regional), visited Air Force Station at Sonegaon, Nagpur and took stock of various activities on Monday. On arrival, the Air Marshal was received by the Station Commander, Air Force Station, Sonegaon and other key personnel of the Station.
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