India Sends Over 120 Aircrew to Strengthen Defence Ties at Pitch Black Exercise

The Indian Air Force has deployed a sizable air‑crew contingent to Australia for the Pitch Black 2026 war games, signalling a boost in bilateral defence cooperation.

The team includes four Rafale combat jets and two C‑17 heavy‑lift aircraft, together with more than 120 airmen and support staff. They will operate from the Royal Australian Air Force bases of Darwin, Tindal and Amberley between July 20 and August 7.

According to a statement from the Indian High Commission in Canberra, the deployment aims to improve mutual coordination, refine combat flying skills and foster enduring relationships with partner nations.

Participants from the Indo‑Pacific region, as well as European air forces, will join India in complex training scenarios covering air superiority, strike missions and logistical support.

Pitch Black, inaugurated in 1983, continues to be the RAAF’s flagship multinational exercise. The 2026 edition expands its scope with new entrants like Japan’s F‑35s, Indonesia’s T‑50Is and first‑time involvement of Finnish and Swedish forces.