- Elite Indian Air Force contingent heads to Darwin for one of the world’s largest multinational air warfare exercises from July 20 to August 7
- Rafale fighters, C-17 Globemaster-III and IL-78 mid-air refuellers to demonstrate India’s expeditionary reach, precision and combat readiness
- Exercise to sharpen interoperability, night warfare capabilities, force integration and operational synergy with leading Indo-Pacific air forces
- IAF reaffirms its unwavering commitment to continuous training, global partnerships and safeguarding regional security through combat preparedness
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JULY 19
In a powerful reaffirmation of its motto of “Touch the Sky with Glory,” the Indian Air Force (IAF) is once again set to demonstrate why continuous training remains the cornerstone of operational excellence. As its elite Air Warriors head to Australia for the prestigious Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the IAF will showcase its formidable combat capabilities, technological prowess and seamless force integration alongside leading global air forces. The exercise underscores India’s unwavering commitment to remaining combat-ready, strengthening strategic partnerships and mastering the complexities of modern aerial warfare through relentless practice and multinational cooperation.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will commence its participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 on Monday at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base, Darwin, Australia. Scheduled from July 20 to August 7, the exercise is the RAAF’s premier biennial multinational air combat engagement and one of the world’s most respected military aviation exercises.
The exercise derives its name from its emphasis on night flying operations over the vast, sparsely populated expanses of northern Australia. In its 45-year history, this edition features one of the largest assemblies of participating air forces, bringing together military personnel from across the globe for complex Large Force Employment (LFE) missions and advanced multinational air combat operations.
The IAF contingent comprises highly skilled Air Warriors, including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other subject matter experts, reflecting the force’s multidimensional operational capability.
The contingent will deploy the Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, supported by the C-17 Globemaster-III strategic transport aircraft and the IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in vital combat support roles.
Participation in the exercise will provide Indian Air Force personnel with a valuable opportunity to enhance multinational interoperability, strengthen force integration, validate expeditionary air operations over extended distances and exchange operational best practices with partner nations to meet evolving global security challenges.
Exercise Pitch Black 2026 will enable participating air forces to operate in a highly realistic, demanding and multinational operational environment, fostering greater operational synergy, professional excellence and mutual understanding among friendly nations.
The Indian Air Force has previously participated in the 2018, 2022 and 2024 editions of Exercise Pitch Black, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to enhancing defence cooperation, strengthening strategic partnerships and promoting peace, stability and security across the Indo-Pacific region.
The IAF’s participation once again highlights its unwavering focus on continuous combat training, technological superiority and mission preparedness—ensuring that India’s Air Warriors remain ready to respond with speed, precision and professionalism whenever the nation calls.
