Multinational Air Power Takes over Australia’s Top End for Pitch Black 26
The RAAF says up to 100 aircraft and more than 2,500 personnel will join realistic combat training to improve interoperability and defence cooperation.
- On Friday, the Indian Air Force confirmed its contingent landed in Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026, which runs from July 20 to August 7, with multiple Rafale aircraft participating.
- Hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force , the exercise involves up to 100 fighter and support aircraft and more than 2,500 military personnel operating from Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley bases.
- To reach the exercise, IAF Rafale fighters transited through Indonesia, utilizing mid-air refuelling support at Juanda airport in Surabaya. The Indian Embassy and Air Warriors expressed appreciation for Indonesia's assistance.
- Exercise Commander Air Commodore Matthew McCormack said the training enhances interoperability and strengthens defence cooperation, while the IAF noted it will sharpen operational synergy and facilitate best practice exchanges.
- Nineteen nations will participate in this year's edition, featuring the debut of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's F-35 Lightning fighters and Indonesia's T-50I Golden Eagle aircraft.
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ABP News
The Hindu Business LineIAF's Rafale to be part of ‘Pitch Black’ exercise in Australia
<p>New Delhi, Jul 17 (PTI): Multiple Rafale aircraft of the Indian Air Force will be part of the mega international air exercise 'Pitch Black' being hosted by Australia from July 20 to August 7, officials said.</p><p>The exercise will sharpen operational synergy and facilitate the exchange of best practices, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said on Friday.</p><p>Pitch Dark is the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) largest international exercise featu…
Multinational air power takes over Australia’s Top End for Pitch Black 26
Australia’s Northern Territory will serve as a hub of international air power from July 20 to August 7, 2026, as 19 partner nations take part in Exercise Pitch Black 26, a three-week air combat training exercise. The exercise officially launched on July 16, 2026, when Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Air Commodore Matthew McCormack, who is commanding this year’s edition, joined detachment commanders from participating countries at RAAF Base Dar…
Ready. Capable. Focused.: Indian Air Force Rafale contingent arrives in Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026 - The Tribune
The India Air Force (IAF) has arrived in Australia to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force's premier biennial multinational air combat exercise, with a contingent comprising four Rafale fighter aircraft, two C-17 transport aircraft and more than 120 Air Warriors.
India joins multinational Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in northern Australia - The Indian Sun
India will take part in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, with four Rafale fighter jets, two C-17 aircraft and more than 120 Indian Air Force personnel travelling to Darwin for the Royal Australian Air Force’s largest multinational air combat exercise. The three-week exercise will run from 20 July to 7 August, bringing together up to 100 aircraft and more than 2,500 personnel from 20 nations across RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal and Amberley. The Indian con…
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