New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will start Exercise Pitch Black 2026 from Monday at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base in Darwin, Australia.
This edition of the premier biennial multinational air combat exercise that has a 45-year long history, will see participation from a large number of countries with the focus on complex Large Force Employment and multinational air combat operations.
The exercise that will be held from July 20 to August 7, derives its name from its emphasis on night flying over the vast un-populated areas of northern Australia.
The IAF contingent comprises of pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other subject matter experts. It will operate the Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, supported by the C-17 Globemaster-Ill and the IL-78 air-to-air refueler in combat support roles.
“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 IAF has said in a statement.
Exercise Pitch Black 26 also provides an excellent opportunity to validate expeditionary air operations over extended distances and strengthen professional partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.
“The exercise will enable participating air forces to operate in a realistic and challenging_ multinational environment, fostering greater operational synergy and mutual understanding. 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,” the statement says.
