IAF to participate in Australia’s multinational exercise Pitch Black 2026 with Rafale fighters
New Delhi, July 19. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will take part in the multinational air combat exercise Pitch Black 2026, beginning on July 20 at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin in Australia, further reinforcing India’s defence cooperation and interoperability with partner nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
The biennial exercise, organised by the Royal Australian Air Force, will be held from July 20 to August 7 and is regarded as Australia’s premier multinational air combat drill. Named after its focus on night-flying operations over the sparsely populated regions of northern Australia, the exercise has evolved over its 45-year history into one of the largest multinational air warfare engagements, bringing together military personnel from several countries for complex large force employment and air combat missions.
The IAF contingent comprises pilots, engineers, technicians, air traffic controllers and other subject matter experts. India will deploy its Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, supported by C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft and IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft in combat support roles.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercise will provide an opportunity for participating air forces to enhance interoperability, strengthen force integration and exchange operational best practices while operating in a realistic multinational environment.
Pitch Black 2026 will also help validate expeditionary air operations over extended distances, improve coordination among participating forces and deepen professional partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. The ministry said the exercise is expected to foster greater operational synergy and mutual understanding among the participating air forces.
The Indian Air Force had earlier participated in the 2018, 2022 and 2024 editions of Exercise Pitch Black, underscoring India’s continued commitment to strengthening regional security and expanding defence cooperation with like-minded partners.
