Archive · 19 Jul 2026
IAF to Join Australia's Exercise Pitch Black 2026
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is going to join a big exercise called Pitch Black 2026 in Australia.
This exercise is 45 years old and focuses on flying at night and practicing with many aircraft together.
The IAF will bring different types of planes like Rafale, C-17, and IL-78.
Many countries will be part of this exercise to practice fighting in the air together.
It's a chance for the IAF to work with other air forces and learn from them.
The exercise will happen in the vast, empty areas of northern Australia, which is perfect for practicing night flying.
Exercise Pitch Black 2026 is a 45-year-old military drill focusing on night flying and large-force missions.
The IAF will participate with Rafale, C-17, and IL-78 aircraft.
The exercise will feature one of the largest contingents of participating air forces.
It aims to practice complex large-force employment missions and multinational air combat operations.
The exercise will take place in the vast, sparsely populated regions of northern Australia.
- Who
- Indian Air Force (IAF) and other international air forces
- What
- Exercise Pitch Black 2026
- When
- Starting tomorrow (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Northern Australia
- Why
- To participate in complex large-force employment missions and multinational air combat operations
- Exercise Name
- Pitch Black 2026
- Location
- Northern Australia
- Year
- 45th edition
- IAF Participation
- Rafale, C-17, IL-78 aircraft
- Focus
- Night flying, large-force missions, multinational air combat