Exercise Pitch Black 2026: IAF Sends Rafales to Australia
Why in the news
The Indian Air Force sent Rafales for the first time to Australia’s multinational air combat exercise, Pitch Black 2026.
Key facts
- IAF contingent: four Rafales, two C-17 Globemaster III and over 120 Air Warriors.
- Host: Royal Australian Air Force; first edition Darwin, 1983.
- Dates: 20 July to 7 August 2026 (three weeks); venues Darwin, Tindal and Amberley.
- Participants: reported as 19-20 countries.
Exam angle
- Host: RAAF; first edition: Darwin, 1983; named for night flying.
- India sent Rafales for the first time.