Naval Excercise: INS Satpura reaches Australia's Darwin

New Delhi: Indian warship INS Satpura, along with a maritime patrol aircraft, has shored Australia's Darwin to participate in multinational Exercise Kakadu-2022, the Union Defence Ministry informed. It added on Tuesday that the Royal Australian Navy hosts the exercise, PTI reported.

According to the ministry, INS Satpura and P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft touched Darwin on September 12.

The ministry released a statement saying, "The two-week-long exercise, both in harbour and sea, involves ships and maritime aircraft from 14 navies. During the harbour phase of the exercise, the ship's crew will engage in operational planning interactions and sports activities with participating navies."

Also, in another statement, the defence ministry informed that the Indian Air Force contingent participating in Exercise Pitch Black 22 in Australia had returned post successful participation in the multinational exercise.

The release said, "Exercise Pitch Black 22 was hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force at its Darwin Air Base. Spanning over three weeks, the exercise saw the participation of 17 Air Forces and over 2,500 military personnel. The IAF contingent included four Su-30 MKI and two C-17 aircraft. The participating forces took part in various multi-aircraft combat drills by day and night, simulating complex aerial scenarios involving large formations."

The statement added, The exercise provided an opportunity for the air forces to share best practices and experiences. The event witnessed a collaborative spirit that has led to a better understanding of each other's capabilities and bonhomie that will lead to "enduring ties between the participating nations."