Air Force to Join Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia

Exercise Pitch Black 2026 is scheduled from 20 July to 7 August 2026 in Australia’s Northern Territory. The Indian Air Force is among the participating air forces in this biennial multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, which is its largest international exercise.

Exercise Pitch Black

Exercise Pitch Black is a multinational air combat exercise conducted by the Royal Australian Air Force. It is held every two years and involves complex combat-like scenarios across large training areas in Australia.

Participating Nations and Aircraft

More than 100 aircraft and personnel from 19 allied and partner nations are expected to take part in Pitch Black 2026. The participating countries include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Fiji, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Locations and Training Areas

The exercise will be conducted from RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory, and RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. The exercise area includes one of the world’s largest military training areas, which is used for air combat integration and tactical training.

Important Facts for Exams

• Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial air combat exercise of the Royal Australian Air Force.
• Pitch Black 2026 will run from 20 July to 7 August 2026.
• RAAF Base Darwin, RAAF Base Tindal, and RAAF Base Amberley are the main bases linked to the exercise.
• Community events include the Mindil Beach Flying Display on 23 July 2026 and the RAAF Darwin Open Day on 1 August 2026.

Community Engagement and Command

Community engagement events for Pitch Black 2026 include the Mindil Beach Flying Display on 23 July 2026 and the RAAF Darwin Open Day on 1 August 2026. Air Commodore Matt McCormack is the Pitch Black 26 Exercise Commander.