The IAF will participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia

The exercise is designed to strengthen relationships between partner nations through the integration of air combat and advanced operational training in challenging environments. File photo: Western Air Command, IAF via ANI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) premier multinational combat exercise, to be held in Australia’s Northern Territory from 20 July to 7 August 2026.

Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green OAM on Tuesday announced India’s participation in X, giving the official handle IAF and citing the exercise as an opportunity to strengthen regional interoperability in the Indo-Pacific.

According to the Australian Department of Defence, the exercise will bring together more than 100 aircraft and personnel from 19 allied and partner nations, providing a platform for participating air forces to increase operational interoperability, enhance military cooperation and refine air combat tactics in realistic and complex scenarios.

Exercise Pitch Black is the RAAF’s largest international exercise and takes place in one of the largest military training areas in the world. Along with India, participating countries include Brunei, Canada, Fiji, Finland, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States and host country Australia.

Advanced training

The exercise is designed to strengthen relationships between partner nations through the integration of air combat and advanced operational training in challenging environments.

Exercise commander Air Commodore Matt McCormack said the multinational exercise was vital to enhancing collective readiness and regional security. “Exercise Pitch Black 26 is vital to the readiness and collective security of Australia and the region. By training together in complex scenarios, we improve our shared readiness and ability to work together, while demonstrating our shared commitment to maintaining regional stability and security,” he said.

India’s participation underscores growing defense cooperation between New Delhi and Canberra and reflects the IAF’s continued involvement in major multinational exercises aimed at improving interoperability with friendly foreign air forces.

Exercise Pitch Black has evolved into one of the most significant air warfare exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, offering participating nations the opportunity to practice high-end combat scenarios while strengthening military partnerships and promoting regional stability.

Published – 16 Jun 2026 23:03 IST