India Deploys Rafale Jets for Exercise Pitch Black 2026

The Royal Australian Air Force is hosting Exercise Pitch Black 2026, its premier air combat exercise, from July 20 to August 7. The multinational event involves up to 100 aircraft and 2,500 personnel from 20 nations, utilizing RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley to conduct large-force employment and complex combat scenarios.

As part of the exercise, the Indian Air Force deployed four Rafale fighter jets, two C-17 transport aircraft, and more than 120 personnel to Darwin. This marks the first time India has deployed Rafales to the exercise, aiming to test strategic reach and enhance interoperability with fifth-generation stealth fighters. The 2026 iteration also features the debut of Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-35 Lightning II and Indonesian T-50I Golden Eagle jets, along with embedded personnel from Sweden and Finland.

Air Commodore Matthew McCormack described the exercise as the Air Force's largest collective training activity and a crucial means for meeting National Defence Strategy objectives. The event follows a high-tempo period including Exercises Diamond Storm and Southern Cross, and will include public events in Darwin on July 23 and August 1.