IAF joins Exercise Pitch Black 2026 at RAAF Base Darwin with Rafale jets
The Indian Air Force began participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin on 20 July 2026, fielding Rafale fighters; the exercise runs till 7 August 2026.
Summary
Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force's premier biennial multinational air combat exercise, runs at RAAF Base Darwin from 20 July to 7 August 2026 with an Indian Air Force contingent. Exercise Pitch Black takes its name from its emphasis on night flying over the vast unpopulated areas of northern Australia. The IAF contingent operates Rafale multirole fighters, supported by C-17 Globemaster III and IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft. The IAF has earlier taken part in the 2018, 2022 and 2024 editions of Exercise Pitch Black.
Key facts
- Exercise
- Pitch Black 2026 – RAAF's biennial multinational air combat exercise
- Venue
- RAAF Base Darwin, Australia
- Dates
- 20 July – 7 August 2026
- IAF assets
- Rafale; C-17 Globemaster III; IL-78 refueller
- Name origin
- Night flying over unpopulated northern Australia
- Earlier IAF editions
- 2018, 2022, 2024
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Exercise Pitch Black 2026, in which the IAF is participating, is being held at which base?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — RAAF Base Darwin
Exercise Pitch Black 2026 is being held at RAAF Base Darwin from 20 July to 7 August 2026.
Which fighter aircraft is the IAF contingent operating at Exercise Pitch Black 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Rafale
The IAF contingent operates Rafale fighters, supported by C-17 Globemaster III and IL-78 aircraft.