IAF Concludes Successful Drills in Malaysia and Australia

The Indian Air Force (IAF) concluded its participation in Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 held in Malaysia and Exercise Pitch Black 2024 hosted by Australia. The exercises, marked by collaborative sorties with the Royal Malaysian Air Force and multiple international forces, aimed at enhancing tactical and operational efficiency.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent returned home after wrapping up successful participation in Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 in Malaysia. According to a Defence Ministry release, the joint exercise took place with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) from August 5 to 9 at Kuantan Air Base. The IAF flew Su-30MKI fighter jets during the maneuvers.

The exercise saw IAF's Su-30MKI fighter jets engaging in air combat missions alongside RMAF's Su-30MKM fighters. This collaboration enabled both air forces' crews to familiarize with each other's operational protocols, enhancing interoperability and effectiveness in Su-30 aircraft operations. Technical experts from both sides also shared their maintenance practices to boost operational efficiency.

Additionally, the IAF participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin from July 12 to August 2. This biennial, multi-national event, hosted by the RAAF, emphasized nighttime flying over unpopulated areas and was the largest in its 43-year history, involving 20 countries, over 140 aircraft, and 4400 military personnel. The exercise aimed to strengthen international cooperation and operational experience with the IAF Su-30MKI operating alongside various advanced fighter jets including the F-35 and F-22.

The IAF contingent, consisting of over 150 skilled Air Warriors including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers, and subject matter experts, operated Su-30MKI fighters supported by C-17 Globemaster and IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in combat enabling roles.

(With inputs from agencies.)