With over 140 aircrafts and 4000 personnel from several countries participating, Operation Pitch Black in Australia is one of the biggest exercises of its kinds.
The Indian Air Force has been at the center of the exercise as it looks to build on regional partnerships, improve interoperability between nations and promote regional stability.
Operation Pitch Black will be on till August 17 and is taking place at the Australian Air Force base in Darwin and Tindal.
The other countries participating - apart from hosts Australia - are France (New Caledonia), Singapore, Indonesia, US, Thailand, Malaysia, Canada, Germany, Netherlands and New Zealand.
PTI Yet to Get Numbers
Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is yet to get the numbers to form government. The cricketer-turned-politician's PTI has emerged as the single largest party with 115 general seats as the Election Commission of Pakistan declared the results of the general elections in the country.
India in Talks to Procure Missile Shield from U.S.
India is in talks with the U.S. to procure an advanced air defence system to defend the National Capital Region (NCR) from aerial attacks. The process for procuring the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System-II (NASAMS-II), estimated at $1 billion, has been initiated.
India is deploying a multi-tiered air defence network to fully secure its airspace from incoming fighter aircraft, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
Agreements between India and South Africa
India and South Africa signed three agreements at the annual BRICS Summit in in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The three agreements are:
Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Agricultural Research and Education
Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Setting up of the "Gandhi Mandela Centre of Specialisation for Artisan Skills" in South Africa
Memorandum of Understanding between Indian Space Research Organisation and the South African National Space Agency on Cooperation in the Exploration and uses of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes.