DARWIN—The Indian Air Force (IAF) began participating on Monday in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, a multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in northern Australia, deploying Rafale fighter aircraft alongside transport and aerial refueling assets as part of efforts to strengthen interoperability with partner nations.
The exercise runs from July 20 to Aug. 7 at RAAF bases in Darwin, Tindal and Amberley. Australian defence authorities said more than 100 aircraft and thousands of military personnel from about 20 participating nations are taking part in what is the RAAF's premier biennial air combat training event.
According to India's Ministry of Defence, the IAF contingent includes pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other specialists operating Rafale multirole fighter aircraft. The deployment is supported by C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft and IL-78 air-to-air refueling aircraft in combat support roles.
The ministry said the exercise is intended to enhance interoperability among participating air forces, strengthen force integration and facilitate the exchange of operational practices during complex multinational air combat operations. It added that the drills provide an opportunity to validate expeditionary air operations over long distances while reinforcing professional partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
Exercise Pitch Black derives its name from its emphasis on night flying over the sparsely populated areas of northern Australia. First held in the early 1980s, the exercise has evolved into one of the region's largest multinational air combat training events, featuring large-force employment missions designed to simulate high-end operational scenarios.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking at the official launch in Darwin, said the exercise underscored Australia's commitment to regional security cooperation and military partnerships. Defence Minister Richard Marles described Pitch Black as a key opportunity to improve coordination among allied and partner air forces.
The Indian Air Force has previously participated in the 2018, 2022 and 2024 editions of Exercise Pitch Black, according to the Ministry of Defence, reflecting continuing defence engagement between India, Australia and other participating countries.
The 2026 exercise is scheduled to conclude on Aug. 7 following three weeks of combined flying operations, tactical training and multinational air combat missions hosted by the RAAF.
