The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent arrived in Darwin, Australia on July 17, 2026 to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 — a biennial multinational air exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Exercise Pitch Black is one of the largest air exercises in the Asia-Pacific region, held biennially in Darwin, Australia. India's participation reflects the deepening India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (including the PACTS Cyber Agreement and sports cooperation signed during PM Modi's July 2026 Australia visit). IAF typically deploys Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters for Pitch Black.
Defence
IAF Contingent Arrives in Darwin, Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026 — Biennial Multinational Air Exercise
Key Points
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent arrived in Darwin, Australia on July 17, 2026 to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 — a biennial multinational air exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
- Exercise Pitch Black is one of the largest air exercises in the Asia-Pacific region, held biennially in Darwin, Australia
- India's participation reflects the deepening India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (including the PACTS Cyber Agreement and sports cooperation signed during PM Modi's July 2026 Australia visit)
- IAF typically deploys Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters for Pitch Black
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• IAF at Exercise Pitch Black 2026: Darwin, Australia; arrived July 17, 2026 • Exercise Pitch Black: biennial multinational air exercise; hosted by RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) • One of Asia-Pacific's largest air exercises; India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership • IAF ranked 3rd globally (WDMMA 2026); Su-30MKI typically deployed for Pitch Black
