Rafale fighters, C-17 and IL-78 aircraft to participate in premier air combat drill aimed at enhancing interoperability and Indo-Pacific defence cooperation
New Delhi, July 19: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will commence its participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin from July 20, joining one of the world’s largest multinational air combat exercises. The biennial exercise, organised by the Royal Australian Air Force, will continue until August 7 and is designed to enhance operational coordination, interoperability and combat readiness among participating nations.
Exercise Pitch Black, named for its emphasis on night-flying operations over the vast uninhabited regions of northern Australia, has evolved over its 45-year history into a major international military engagement. The 2026 edition features one of the largest-ever contingents of participating forces, bringing together military personnel for complex Large Force Employment missions and multinational air combat operations.
The Indian Air Force contingent comprises experienced pilots, engineers, technicians, air traffic controllers and other specialists. India will deploy its Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, supported by C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft and IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft to undertake combat support and operational missions during the exercise.
Defence officials said the exercise will provide valuable opportunities for participating air forces to improve interoperability, strengthen force integration and exchange operational best practices while operating in a realistic multinational combat environment. It will also help validate expeditionary air operations over extended distances and enhance operational coordination among partner nations.
The exercise is expected to further strengthen professional military partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region while improving mutual understanding and operational synergy among participating air forces.
The Indian Air Force has been a regular participant in Exercise Pitch Black, having taken part in the 2018, 2022 and 2024 editions. Its continued participation underscores India’s commitment to expanding defence cooperation, enhancing regional security and deepening strategic partnerships with friendly nations in the Indo-Pacific.
