IAF Rafale contingent reaches Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026

18 July 2026National

On 17 July 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent arrived in Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026, with four Rafale fighter jets, two C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft and over 120 Air Warriors — the first time IAF Rafales join the drill. The exercise runs 20 July-7 August 2026 across RAAF bases Darwin, Tindal and Amberley. One of the Indo-Pacific's largest air-combat exercises, it involves up to 100 aircraft and 2,500+ personnel from around 20 nations, aiming to enhance interoperability and combat skills.

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Pitch Black is hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), held biennially | Rafale maker: France's Dassault Aviation | C-17 Globemaster III built by Boeing | Australia capital: Canberra

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The IAF sent four Rafale jets and two C-17s to Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026 (20 Jul-7 Aug), a multinational air-combat drill of ~20 nations.

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