The IAF will participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia from July 20 to August 7

The Indian Air Force (IAF), along with the air forces of 19 other countries, will participate in Australia’s premier multinational air combat exercise, Exercise Pitch Black 2026, to be held in northern Australia from July 20 to August 7.

Hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the exercise will involve up to 100 fighter and support aircraft and more than 2,500 troops operating from Darwin, Tindal and Amberley bases. First held in 1983, Exercise Pitch Black is one of the largest and most complex air combat training events in the Indo-Pacific region.

The RAAF said in a statement that this year’s event will bring together aircraft from the United States, Japan, India, Indonesia, Singapore, France, Germany, Spain, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. Military personnel from New Zealand, Fiji, Canada, Brunei, Malaysia, Finland and Sweden will also participate in incorporated roles.

Pitch Black 2026 will also mark the premiere participation of Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force’s F-35 Lightning II fighters and Indonesia’s T-50I Golden Eagle, he added.

Realistic combat scenarios

Exercise Commander Air Commodore Matthew McCormack said Pitch Black remains the RAAF’s largest collective training activity with partner and allied air forces, providing realistic and complex combat scenarios that enhance interoperability and enhance defense cooperation.

He said the exercise built on lessons from the 2024 edition and continued to attract widespread international participation due to Australia’s extensive military training airspace.

According to the RAAF, the exercise also supports the objectives of Australia’s National Defense Strategy by improving operational integration and strengthening the joint commitment to regional peace and stability.

Exercise Pitch Black 2026 will conclude a period of high-tempo flying in northern Australia that also includes exercises Diamond Storm and Southern Cross.

Published – 16 Jul 2026 22:47 IST