Canberra [Australia], July 17 (ANI): The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has arrived in Australia to take part in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force’s premier biennial multinational air fight train. The contingent includes 4 Rafale fighter plane, two C-17 transport plane and greater than 120 Air Warriors.
In a submit on X on Friday, the IAF mentioned the multinational train, which brings collectively air forces from 19 nations, gives a platform to reinforce interoperability and strengthen operational cooperation.
‘The #IndianAirForce contingent has landed in Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026. The premier biennial multinational air fight train brings collectively Air Forces of 19 nations. It gives a singular platform to reinforce interoperability and strengthen operational cooperation,’ the IAF mentioned.
‘Flying the formidable #Rafale, the IAF will practice alongside pleasant Air Forces. The train will sharpen operational synergy and facilitate the alternate of finest practices. Ready. Capable. Focused,’ it added.
Alongside the IAF, the High Commission of India in Canberra mentioned the Indian contingent had arrived in Darwin and would take part within the three-week train alongside companion nations.
The High Commission in a submit on X mentioned, ‘The High Commission of India is proud to welcome the Indian Air Force contingent of 4 Rafale and two C17 plane together with over 120 Air Warriors to Darwin to take part in Royal Australian Air Force’s premier air fight train Pitch Black 2026.’
https://x.com/hcicanberra/status/2077927408729198705
It added that over the following three weeks, the Indian Air Force personnel ‘ will fly alongside counterparts from collaborating nations in the direction of enhancing interoperability, sharpening fight flying expertise, strengthening relationships, and constructing eternal bonds.’
The Royal Australian Air Force’s premier air fight train, Exercise Pitch Black, will take to the skies over northern Australia from July 20 to August 7.
According to the Defence division, upto 100 jet plane will soar into motion, supported by greater than 2,500 personnel from 20 nations throughout RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal and Amberley.
This main train has been held in Darwin since 1983 and can characteristic for the primary time Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-35 Lightning II and Indonesian T-50I Golden Eagle jets, in addition to embedded personnel from Finland and Sweden.
Pitch Black 2026 will embody plane from the United States, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Republic of Korea, India, Singapore, Germany, France and Spain, in addition to embedded personnel from New Zealand, Fiji, Canada, Brunei, Malaysia, Finland and Sweden, the discharge said.
Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Matthew McCormack, Exercise Commander of Pitch Black 2026, emphasised the significance of the high-end coaching exercise.
‘Exercise Pitch Black 2026 is the Air Force’s largest, collective coaching exercise with our companions and allies,’ AIRCDRE McCormack mentioned.
‘It’s the place we plan collectively, struggle collectively and be taught collectively by real looking and complicated coaching situations. This 12 months’s train will construct upon the teachings solid from 2024 and stays a sought-after exercise by our companions because of the huge navy coaching airspace,’ he added.
‘The train is a vital means for the Air Force to fulfill the aims of the National Defence Strategy. It strengthens relationships amongst our companions and allies by integration and demonstrates our shared dedication to a peaceable and affluent area.’
Exercise Pitch Black 2026 marks the tip of a high-tempo flying interval throughout northern Australia, together with Exercises Diamond Storm and Southern Cross. (ANI)