The Indian Air Force, for the first time participated with fighter aircraft in Exercise Pitch Black 2018 in Australia. The three week biennial multi-national exercise that was hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was conducted from RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal. The large force employment warfare exercise hosted 4000 personnel and 140 aircraft from Australia, Canada, France (New Caledonia), Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, India, Malaysia and the United States which included day and night flying.

The IAF contingent consisted of 145 air-warriors including IAF Commandos team, Garuds, four Su-30 MKI, one C-130 and one C-17 for logistic support for induction and de-induction. The contingent assembled at Air Force Station Kalaikunda and departed for the exercise on July 19 from India to Australia via Indonesia. The contingent was led by Group Captain CUV Rao.

Various day and night operations were undertaken by the IAF and for the first time. Su-30MKI carried out Air to Air Refueling with KC-30A of the RAAF. Some highlights of the exercise included exchange sorties flown by IAF pilots flying in Rafale and RAAF F/A-18 (Hornets) and RAAF crew and French Crew flying in Su-30MKI. IAF C-130J crew got a unique opportunity to fly in RAAF C-130J aircraft. The C-130J also carried out assault landing at Dalmare, Assault Operations of dropping specialist vehicles in operation area and participation in Large Force Engagement missions, both by day and night.