Indian Air Force to join Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia with Rafale fighters
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) premier biennial multinational air combat exercise, beginning on July 20 at RAAF Base Darwin in northern Australia. The exercise will continue until August 7.
Named after its focus on night flying over the vast unpopulated 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. The 2026 edition features one of the largest contingents of participating nations, bringing together military personnel for complex large force employment missions and multinational air combat operations.
The IAF contingent comprises highly skilled Air Warriors, including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other subject-matter experts. India will deploy its Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, supported by the C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft and the IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft in combat support roles.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that the exercise is expected to enhance interoperability among participating air forces, strengthen force integration and facilitate the exchange of operational best practices for conducting collaborative air operations in complex multinational scenarios.
According to the MoD, Exercise Pitch Black 2026 will also provide an opportunity to validate expeditionary air operations over extended distances while improving multinational interoperability and reinforcing professional partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.
The multinational exercise is designed to simulate realistic and challenging operational environments, enabling participating air forces to enhance operational synergy, mutual understanding and coordinated mission execution.
IAF has previously participated in the 2018, 2022 and 2024 editions of Exercise Pitch Black, reflecting its continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation, improving operational readiness and contributing to regional peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.
