IAF contingent returns after successful participation in Exercise Udara Shakti ’24 in Malaysia

New Delhi [India], August 10 (ANI): The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent returned to India on Saturday after successful participation in Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 in Malaysia.

As per a Defence Ministry release, the joint air exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) from 05 to 09 August 2024 at Kuantan, Malaysia. The IAF participated with Su-30MKI fighter jets.

During the exercise, IAF’s Su-30MKI fighter jets engaged in air combat missions alongside the RMAF’s Su-30MKM fighters, enabling the crew of both air forces to familiarize themselves with each other’s operational protocols, thereby enhancing interoperability, commonality and overall effectiveness in Su-30 aircraft operations.

Aimed at bolstering operational efficiency, technical experts of both Air Forces engaged in exchange for their maintenance practices.

Earlier in July this year, an Indian Air Force contingent participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin in Australia.

The exercise was conducted from July 12 to August 2 and was a biennial, multi-national exercise hosted by the RAAF. The name ‘Pitch Black’ was derived from the emphasis on nighttime flying over large unpopulated areas.

This edition was 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 focused on Large Force Employment warfare aimed at strengthening international cooperation and facilitated 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 comprised of 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.