IAF deploys Rafales to Australia for Pitch Black 2026; 20 nations to take part

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has arrived in Darwin, Australia, with four Rafale fighter aircraft, two C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft and more than 120 Air Warriors to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026. The deployment marks another milestone in the growing defence partnership between India and Australia.

The High Commission of India in Canberra announced the arrival on X, stating that the contingent will take part in the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) premier multinational air combat exercise over the next three weeks.

What is Exercise Pitch Black 2026?

Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Force's flagship international air combat exercise. Hosted in Darwin since 1983, the exercise is designed to improve operational coordination, combat readiness and interoperability among participating air forces.

The 2026 edition will be held from July 20 to August 7 across RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal and Amberley in northern Australia.

Over 20 nations to participate

This year's exercise will involve up to 100 military aircraft and more than 2,500 personnel from 20 participating nations.

Countries taking part include Australia, India, the United States, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, France, Germany, Spain, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. Personnel from New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Brunei, Fiji, Finland and Sweden will also participate.

The exercise will also mark the debut of Japan's F-35 Lightning II fighters and Indonesia's T-50I Golden Eagle aircraft, while Finland and Sweden will participate with embedded personnel for the first time.

Focus on interoperability and combat readiness

During the exercise, the Indian Air Force will participate in advanced air combat missions alongside partner nations. The drills are intended to improve interoperability, exchange operational expertise and strengthen defence cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

The Indian High Commission said the deployment reflects India's commitment to strengthening military partnerships and enhancing operational coordination with friendly nations.

Air Commodore Matthew McCormack, Exercise Commander of Pitch Black 2026, said, "Exercise Pitch Black 2026 is Air Force's largest, collective training activity with our partners and allies."

India's participation in Pitch Black 2026 underscores the expanding strategic and defence relationship between New Delhi and Canberra. The joint exercise provides an opportunity for participating air forces to enhance combat capabilities, strengthen professional relationships and improve coordination in complex multinational operations.