An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent is taking part in the biennial multinational air combat ‘Exercise Pitch Black 2026’ which commences today at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base, Darwin, Australia.  

The IAF contingent comprising of highly skilled Air Warriors including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other subject matter experts is participating in the air drill.  

The contingent will operate the Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft, supported by the C-17 Globemaster-Ill and the IL-78 air-to-air refueling aircraft in combat support roles, an official statement released by the Indian Defence Ministry said.

Scheduled from 20 July 2026 to 07 August 2026, ‘Exercise Pitch Black’ is the RAAF's premier biennial multinational air combat exercise. 

This year’s edition features large quantum of participating forces, bringing together military personnel for complex Large Force Employment and multinational air combat operations.

The exercise will provide the participating forces with a valuable opportunity to enhance interoperability, strengthen force integration and exchange operational best practices towards a collaborative conduct of operations in the global scenarios, the MoD statement read.

‘Ex Pitch Black’, held since the past 45 years, derives its name from its emphasis on night flying over the vast un-populated areas of northern Australia.

The exercise provides an excellent opportunity to validate expeditionary air operations over extended distances, enhance multinational interoperability and strengthen professional partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. It will enable the participating air forces to operate in a realistic and challenging multinational environment, fostering greater operational synergy and mutual understanding, the MoD said. 

The IAF has previously participated in the 2018, 2022 and 2024 editions of the exercise, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and regional security, it added.