An Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jet was photographed on 17 July 2026 as the IAF contingent touched down in Darwin, Australia, to take part in the Royal Australian Air Force's flagship multinational air combat exercise, Pitch Black 2026.
The Indian Air Force's Ilyushin Il-76 'Gajraj' heavy-lift transport aircraft was photographed flying alongside two Rafale fighter jets on 17 July 2026, as the IAF deployment for Pitch Black 2026 in Darwin got under way.
The Indian Air Force contingent arrived in Darwin, Australia on 17 July 2026 to join the Royal Australian Air Force's premier multinational air combat exercise, Pitch Black 2026, reinforcing bilateral defence cooperation between India and Australia.
India's participation in Pitch Black 2026 — the Royal Australian Air Force's premier multinational air combat exercise held in Darwin — marks a continued deepening of India–Australia defence ties, with the Indian Air Force contingent on the ground as of 17 July 2026.