The High Commission of India in Canberra announced the arrival of the Indian Air Force contingent through a social media post. The contingent includes four Rafale fighter aircraft, two C-17 transport aircraft and more than 120 Air Warriors.
The High Commission stated that the deployment reflects India’s commitment to strengthening defence partnerships and enhancing cooperation with friendly countries. The Indian Air Force personnel will train alongside their counterparts from participating nations during the three-week exercise.
Exercise Pitch Black 2026 will focus on improving interoperability among participating air forces, enhancing combat flying capabilities, strengthening professional relationships and developing long-term defence partnerships. The Indian Air Force contingent will take part in complex air combat scenarios with air forces from the Indo-Pacific region and Europe.
The multinational exercise is scheduled to be conducted from July 20 to August 7 at Royal Australian Air Force bases in Darwin, Tindal and Amberley in northern Australia.
The participation of Indian Air Force Rafale and C-17 aircraft in Pitch Black 2026 highlights India’s growing engagement in multinational defence exercises and its continued efforts to enhance military cooperation, operational readiness and strategic partnerships with countries across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
About The Author
Comment List