The Indian Air Force deployed four Rafale fighter jets, two C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, and more than 120 air warriors to RAAF Base Darwin, Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026 — the Royal Australian Air Force's flagship biennial multinational air exercise. This is a significant upgrade from previous Indian participations, demonstrating growing India-Australia defence cooperation and IAF's force projection capabilities. The deployment follows PM Modi's landmark Australia visit (July 8-10, 2026) and the signing of the PACTS Cyber Agreement and Defence Cooperation Roadmap. IAF's Rafale jets, procured under a ₹59,000 crore deal (36 aircraft), are making their debut at Exercise Pitch Black.
Defence
IAF Deploys 4 Rafale Jets, 2 C-17s and 120+ Air Warriors to Darwin for Exercise Pitch Black 2026
Key Points
- The Indian Air Force deployed four Rafale fighter jets, two C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, and more than 120 air warriors to RAAF Base Darwin, Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026 — the Royal Australian Air Force's flagship biennial multinational air exercise
- This is a significant upgrade from previous Indian participations, demonstrating growing India-Australia defence cooperation and IAF's force projection capabilities
- The deployment follows PM Modi's landmark Australia visit (July 8-10, 2026) and the signing of the PACTS Cyber Agreement and Defence Cooperation Roadmap
- IAF's Rafale jets, procured under a ₹59,000 crore deal (36 aircraft), are making their debut at Exercise Pitch Black
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• IAF at Exercise Pitch Black 2026: Darwin, Australia; 4 Rafale + 2 C-17 + 120 air warriors • Rafale debut at Pitch Black; IAF Rafale deal: 36 aircraft; ₹59,000 crore; from France • Exercise Pitch Black: RAAF biennial; Darwin; Asia-Pacific's largest multinational air exercise • India-Australia: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; PACTS Cyber; Defence Roadmap (July 2026)
