The exercise is being conducted from July 20 to August 7 and focuses on complex multinational air combat operations, including large-scale force employment missions and night flying operations over northern Australia’s vast airspace
The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participating in the multinational Exercise Pitch Black 2026 met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the opening ceremony of the major air combat exercise held in Darwin.
The Indian High Commission in Australia shared the moment on X, highlighting the growing defence partnership between India and Australia.
“From the seabed to the sky — the India Australia defence relations are set to touch the sky with glory! Our Indian Air Force contingent had a privilege to interact with Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese during the opening ceremony of Exercise PITCH BLACK 2026 at Darwin,” it said.
The IAF is participating in the exercise with four Rafale fighter aircraft and around 100 Air Warriors, including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other specialists. The contingent is joining air forces from nearly 20 countries in one of the largest international air combat exercises in the Southern Hemisphere.
Exercise Pitch Black 2026, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), is a biennial multinational air combat exercise designed to improve interoperability, operational coordination and cooperation among participating nations.
The exercise is being conducted from July 20 to August 7 and focuses on complex multinational air combat operations, including large-scale force employment missions and night flying operations over northern Australia’s vast airspace.
The Ministry of Defence said the exercise provides an important opportunity for participating forces to enhance force integration, exchange operational practices and develop stronger professional partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.
The IAF contingent will operate the Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, supported by the C-17 Globemaster III and IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft in combat support roles.
“Exercise Pitch Black 2026 provides an excellent opportunity to validate expeditionary air operations over extended distances, enhance multinational interoperability and strengthen professional partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region,” the Ministry of Defence said.
The 2026 edition marks one of the largest gatherings in the 45-year history of Exercise Pitch Black, bringing together military personnel from multiple nations for advanced air combat training in a realistic operational environment.
The exercise aims to strengthen mutual understanding, improve coordination between allied and partner air forces and prepare forces for complex security scenarios.
The IAF has previously participated in the 2018, 2022 and 2024 editions of Exercise Pitch Black, reflecting India’s continued commitment to expanding defence cooperation with Australia and enhancing regional security partnerships.
