New Delhi : The Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force’s premier biennial multinational air combat exercise, beginning on July 20 at RAAF Base Darwin, Australia. The exercise will continue until August 7, 2026.
Exercise Pitch Black is one of the world’s largest multinational air warfare exercises and is renowned for its emphasis on night flying operations over the vast uninhabited regions of northern Australia. This year’s edition marks one of the largest in the exercise’s 45-year history, bringing together air forces from multiple nations for complex large-force employment and multinational combat operations.
The Indian Air Force has deployed a contingent of highly trained Air Warriors, including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and operational specialists. The contingent will operate the Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, supported by the C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft and the IL-78 aerial refuelling aircraft in combat support roles.
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability among participating nations, strengthen force integration, and facilitate the exchange of operational best practices for conducting collaborative air operations in evolving global security scenarios.
Participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 will also help the IAF validate expeditionary air operations over extended distances while reinforcing professional partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. The realistic multinational environment is expected to improve operational synergy and deepen mutual understanding among partner air forces.
The Indian Air Force has previously participated in the 2018, 2022 and 2024 editions of Exercise Pitch Black, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and promoting regional security in the Indo-Pacific.