The Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) premier multinational air combat exercise, scheduled to be held in Australia’s Northern Territory from July 20 to August 7, 2026.

Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green OAM announced India’s participation on X on Tuesday, tagging the IAF’s official handle and citing the exercise as an opportunity to strengthen regional interoperability across the Indo-Pacific.

According to the Australian Defence Ministry, the exercise will bring together more than 100 aircraft and personnel from 19 allied and partner nations, providing a platform for participating air forces to enhance operational interoperability, strengthen military cooperation, and refine air combat tactics in realistic and complex scenarios.

Exercise Pitch Black is the RAAF’s largest international exercise and is conducted across one of the world’s largest military training areas. Along with India, participating countries include Brunei, Canada, Fiji, Finland, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and host nation Australia, it added.

Advanced training

The exercise is designed to strengthen relationships among partner nations through air combat integration and advanced operational training in challenging environments.

Exercise Commander Air Commodore Matt McCormack said the multinational drill was vital for enhancing collective preparedness and regional security. “Exercise Pitch Black 26 is vital for the preparedness and collective security of both Australia and the region. By training together in complex scenarios, we enhance our shared preparedness and ability to operate together, while also demonstrating our collective commitment to maintaining regional stability and security,” he said.

India’s participation underscores the growing defence cooperation between New Delhi and Canberra and reflects the IAF’s continued engagement in major multinational exercises aimed at improving interoperability with friendly foreign air forces.

Exercise Pitch Black has evolved into one of the Indo-Pacific region’s most significant air warfare exercises, offering participating nations an opportunity to train in high-end combat scenarios while strengthening military partnerships and promoting regional stability.