Exercise Pitch Black 2026: India’s Rafale fighter aircraft & C-17 arrive in Australia

New Delhi ( Vivek Ojha ) : India’s Rafale fighter aircraft and C-17 transport aircraft have reached Australia to participate in the Royal Australian Air Force’s premier multinational air combat exercise, Pitch Black 2026. The deployment marks another step in expanding defence cooperation between India and Australia.

The High Commission of India in Canberra announced the arrival of the Indian Air Force contingent in a social media post. The contingent comprises four Rafale fighter aircraft, two C-17 transport aircraft and over 120 Air Warriors.

The High Commission said the deployment reflects India’s commitment to strengthening defence partnerships and enhancing operational coordination with friendly countries. It said the Indian Air Force personnel will train alongside their counterparts from participating nations over the next three weeks.

The exercise will focus on improving interoperability, sharpening combat flying skills, strengthening professional ties and building long-term partnerships. The Indian Air Force contingent will participate in complex air combat scenarios with air forces from the Indo-Pacific and Europe.

Exercise Pitch Black 2026 will be held from the 20th of July to the 7th of August at Royal Australian Air Force bases in Darwin, Tindal and Amberley in northern Australia.