IAF’s Rafale to be part of mega air exercise ‘Pitch Black’ in Australia
The exercise will increase operational synergies and facilitate exchange of best practices, the IAF said in a statement on Friday.
Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) largest international exercise, involving complex, war-like scenarios at one of the world’s largest military training areas over a three-week period in Darwin, according to the RAAF’s website.
Alongside the exercise, the Northern Territory community will once again have the opportunity to see participating aircraft in the air and on the ground and meet military personnel from Brunei, Canada, Fiji, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the UK and the US.
Read more: “Ready. Capable. Focused.”: Indian Air Force Rafale unit arrives in Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026
The IAF posted on X on Friday: “Indian Air Force contingent has landed in Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026.
Held every two years, this first multinational air combat exercise brings together the Air Forces of 19 countries. It provides a unique platform to enhance interoperability and strengthen operational cooperation.” “Flying the majestic Rafale, the IAF will train alongside friendly Air Forces. The exercise will increase operational synergy and facilitate the sharing of best practices. Ready. Talented. “We are focused,” he said and shared some pictures of IAF’s fighter jets and air fighters.
A senior official said more than one Rafale jet would participate in the exercise, without specifying any numbers. Without specifying the number of transport aircraft, the official said that C-17 Globemaster aircraft also flew to Australia as part of the IAF team.
The Indian Embassy in Jakarta also shared an update on fighter jets and mid-air refueling.
“Strengthening India-Indonesia partnerships IL-78 Indian Air Force Air-to-Air Refueling Vehicle operated from Juanda airfield in Surabaya to perform mid-air refueling of IAF Rafale fighter aircraft passing through Indonesian airspace and to participate in Ex Pitch Black in Darwin, Australia” was issued.
Read more: India to participate in 17-nation ‘Pitch Black’ exercise in Australia
Adding some photos to the post, he wrote, “Indian Embassy and Air Warriors thank and appreciate the assistance and opportunity provided by the Indonesian government in allowing Indian military platforms to operate from Indonesia.” he said.
According to the RAAF’s website, “Exercise Pitch Black returns to the Top End from 20 July to 7 August, creating the opportunity for more than 100 aircraft and personnel from 19 allied and partner nations to exercise together and strengthen regional and global interoperability.”
