IAF heads to exercise Pitch Black 2026 in northern Australia

India Jul 16, 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for Exercise Pitch Black 2026, a huge multinational air combat drill happening July 20 to August 7 in northern Australia.

With over 2,500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 20 countries, including the US Japan, Indonesia, and France, it is a major chance for the IAF to train alongside some of the world's best.

Pitch Black emphasizes interoperability, F-35s, T-50I

Exercise Pitch Black is not just about showing off jets; it is all about teamwork and learning to operate together.

Since starting in 1983, it has become a big deal for Indo-Pacific defense ties.

This year brings new tech too: Japan is sending its F-35s and Indonesia its T-50I jets.