India’s Air Force Rafale aircraft are taking part in Australia’s 2026 Exercise Pitch Black, a multinational air combat drill. The exercise is described as a premier biennial event that brings together air forces from 19 nations to conduct advanced air combat training. Multiple outlets report that the Indian contingent arrives in Australia to participate in the program of dynamic operational exercises. The Indian Air Force deploys four Rafale fighters along with two C-17 transport aircraft to support its participation. Across the sources, the focus of the exercise is on joint training aimed at improving interoperability and operational coordination among participating air forces. The engagement includes complex air operations designed to enhance shared tactics and overall readiness. While details of specific scenarios are not provided in the excerpts, the participating nations’ goal is to strengthen their collaborative capabilities through live drills conducted as part of the biennial multilateral framework. The deployment marks the IAF’s participation in the 2026 edition of the exercise in Australia.