The Indian Air Force will join Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia from July 20 to August 7, enhancing multinational air combat cooperation and operational readiness.

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• Exercise Pitch Black 2026 will be conducted from July 20 to August 7 in Australia’s Northern Territory under the leadership of the Royal Australian Air Force.
• The biennial multinational exercise is regarded as the largest international military exercise organized by the Royal Australian Air Force.
• More than 100 aircraft and military personnel from 19 partner and allied nations are expected to participate in the exercise.
• Participating countries include India, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• The exercise focuses on advanced air combat operations, tactical coordination, force integration, interoperability, and complex mission planning among participating air forces.
• Training activities will be conducted from RAAF Base Darwin, RAAF Base Tindal, and RAAF Base Amberley across extensive military training zones.
• The exercise area includes one of the world’s largest military training environments designed for realistic combat simulation and operational training.
• Public engagement events during the exercise include the Mindil Beach Flying Display on July 23, 2026, and the RAAF Darwin Open Day on August 1, 2026.