IAF Set to Showcase Air Power at Exercise Pitch Black 2026

New Delhi, July 19, 2026 India continues to strengthen its defence partnerships and operational capabilities on the global stage as the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia. Scheduled from July 20 to August 7, 2026, at RAAF Base Darwin, the multinational air combat exercise is the Royal Australian Air Force's premier biennial event, bringing together air forces from across the world for advanced operational training. Named after the dark night flying conditions over the vast uninhabited regions of northern Australia, Exercise Pitch Black has evolved over its 45-year history into one of the world's leading multinational air warfare drills. This edition will feature a large number of participating forces, enabling military personnel to train together in complex large-force employment and multinational air combat operations. The Indian Air Force contingent includes highly skilled pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers, and other specialists. The team will operate Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, supported by C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft and IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft. The exercise will provide participating air forces with an opportunity to enhance interoperability, strengthen force integration, and exchange operational best practices for collaborative missions in global scenarios. Notably, Exercise Pitch Black 2026 will also help evaluate long-range expeditionary air operations, improve multinational interoperability, and reinforce professional partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. Having previously participated in the exercise in 2018, 2022, and 2024, the IAF continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation, operational coordination, and regional security through international engagement.