The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has reached Australia to take part in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force’s flagship biennial multinational air combat exercise.
The Indian team includes four Rafale fighter jets, two C-17 transport aircraft and more than 120 Air Warriors. The exercise brings together air forces from 19 countries and aims to improve interoperability, strengthen operational coordination and promote closer defence cooperation among participating nations.
Announcing the arrival, the IAF said in a post on X, "The #IndianAirForce contingent has landed in Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026. The premier biennial multinational air combat exercise brings together Air Forces of 19 nations. It provides a unique platform to enhance interoperability and strengthen operational cooperation."
"Flying the formidable #Rafale, the IAF will train alongside friendly Air Forces. The exercise will sharpen operational synergy and facilitate the exchange of best practices. Ready. Capable. Focused," it added.
The High Commission of India in Canberra also confirmed that the Indian contingent had reached Darwin for the three-week-long exercise, where it will operate alongside partner nations.
"The High Commission of India is proud to welcome the Indian Air Force contingent of four Rafale and two C17 aircraft along with over 120 Air Warriors to Darwin to participate in Royal Australian Air Force's premier air combat exercise Pitch Black 2026," the High Commission said in a post on X.
It added that IAF personnel "will fly alongside counterparts from participating nations towards enhancing interoperability, sharpening combat flying skills, strengthening relationships, and building everlasting bonds."
Exercise Pitch Black 2026 will be conducted over northern Australia from July 20 to August 7.
According to Australia’s Defence Department, the exercise will involve up to 100 fighter aircraft and support elements, with more than 2,500 personnel from 20 nations participating across RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal and Amberley.
The exercise, which has been hosted in Darwin since 1983, will see the participation of Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-35 Lightning II aircraft and Indonesian T-50I Golden Eagle jets for the first time. Personnel from Finland and Sweden will also take part as embedded participants.
Aircraft from the United States, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, India, Singapore, Germany, France and Spain will participate in Pitch Black 2026. Embedded personnel from New Zealand, Fiji, Canada, Brunei, Malaysia, Finland and Sweden will also join the exercise, according to the Defence Department.
Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Matthew McCormack, Exercise Commander of Pitch Black 2026, highlighted the significance of the training exercise.
"Exercise Pitch Black 2026 is the Air Force's largest, collective training activity with our partners and allies," AIRCDRE McCormack said.
"It's where we plan together, fight together and learn together through realistic and complex training scenarios. This year's exercise will build upon the lessons forged from 2024 and remains a sought-after activity by our partners due to the enormous military training airspace," he added.
"The exercise is a crucial means for the Air Force to meet the objectives of the National Defence Strategy. It strengthens relationships among our partners and allies through integration and demonstrates our shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous region."
Exercise Pitch Black 2026 will conclude a period of intensive flying activity across northern Australia, following other major drills including Exercises Diamond Storm and Southern Cross.
