The Indian Air Force contingent will now take part in Ex Pitch Black 2022 in Australia

"Udarashakti", the first joint military exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) which ended earlier this week, showcased the shared commitment, professionalism, and mutual understanding between the two sides.

The four-day exercise hosted by the RMAF concluded on Tuesday. It saw the two Air Forces work in cohesion through a series of complex aerial combat drills in multiple domains and exercise settings. The exercise was characterised by the display of a high degree of professionalism by all participants, India's Ministry of Defence said on Thursday.

Su-30 MKI and C-17 aircraft from the Indian Air Force and Su-30 MKM aircraft from the Malaysian Air Force participated in Exercise Udarashakti.

The closing ceremony was marked with a seven-aircraft formation flypast by both the Air Forces & exchange of mementoes between the contingent leaders.

"Successful execution of the first edition of the exercise is testimony to the professional capabilities, mutual understanding & shared commitment of the two Air Forces. The IAF contingent now moves on to #RAAF Darwin, Australia for #ExPitchBlack22," the Indian Air Force tweeted.

India and Malaysia enjoy close bilateral relations, including in the sphere of defence. Malaysian Navy Chief Admiral Tan Mohd Reza Bin Mohd Sany is currently on a visit to India to discuss stronger maritime engagement between the two sides.

The IAF contingent will now head to Darwin, Australia, to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 22, being hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The Indian Air Force will be part of this multilateral drill, along with Australia, France, Japan, United States, Germany, Indonesia, Singapore, United Kingdom, and South Korea.