Exercise Pitch Black 2026

• As part of the growing defense and strategic cooperation between India and Australia, a special contingent of the Indian Air Force (IAF) arrived in Australia on July 17, 2026, to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026.

• The contingent comprises four Rafale fighter jets, two C-17 Globemaster-III strategic transport aircraft, and over 120 air warriors.

• The Indian High Commission in Australia welcomed the contingent in Canberra. India's participation in this exercise is considered significant for strengthening modern air power capabilities, interoperability, and defense cooperation with partner nations.

• Exercise Pitch Black is a major multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

• The 2026 edition will be conducted from July 20 to August 7, 2026, at RAAF bases in Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley in Northern Australia.

• Ranked among the largest and most prestigious air exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, the exercise aims to enhance joint operational capabilities, modern air combat skills, strategic coordination, and operational cooperation among the air forces of participating nations.