IAF Rafale Jets Reach Australia for Pitch Black 2026

Key facts

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has arrived in Australia to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force's premier biennial multinational air combat exercise.
• This marks the first time that India's Rafale fighter jets are taking part in the exercise.
• The exercise is scheduled from July 20 to August 7, 2026, and involves around 100 aircraft and personnel from 19 allied and partner nations.
• The Indian contingent comprises four Rafale fighter aircraft, two C-17 transport aircraft, and over 120 Air Warriors.
• Participating nations include Brunei, Canada, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States.
• The exercise emphasises night-time flying over large, unpopulated areas and aims to enhance interoperability, sharpen combat flying skills, and strengthen operational cooperation.