Exercise Pitch Black

13.07.2024

Exercise Pitch Black

Why in the news?                        

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent is participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 which is scheduled to be conducted from 12 July 24 to 02 August 24 in Australia.

About Exercise Pitch Black:

• It is a biennial and multi-national exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)

○The name 'Pitch Black' was derived from the emphasis on night time flying over large unpopulated areas.

• The 2024 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 focus on Large Force Employment warfare aimed at strengthening international cooperation and shall facilitate experience enhancement with the IAF Su-30 MKI operating alongside the F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen and Typhoon fighter aircraft.
• The IAF contingent comprises over 150 highly skilled Air Warriors including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other subject matter experts, who will be operating the formidable Su-30 MKI multirole fighters, with the C -17 Globemaster and the IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in combat enabling roles.
• The exercise would provide IAF with an opportunity towards force integration with participating nations and mutual exchange of best practices.
• Significance: The exercise provides an excellent opportunity for strengthening the ability of the participating nations to deploy over large distances, support integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region and build strong aviation associations in a highly challenging environment.
• Previous participation of India: The IAF has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions of this exercise.

                                                                    Source: PIB

Ques :- Consider the following statements regarding Exercise Pitch Black:

Statement-I

It is a biennial and multi- national exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force.

Statement-II

 India is participating for the first time in this exercise.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Answer C