The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, one of the world's largest multinational air combat drills in Australia. The IAF is sharing its unique operational model, which integrates indigenous and foreign technologies, offering valuable lessons to partner nations

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, one of the world's largest multinational air combat drills in Australia. The IAF is sharing its unique operational model, which integrates indigenous and foreign technologies, offering valuable lessons to partner nations

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, one of the world's largest multinational air combat drills in Australia. The IAF is sharing its unique operational model, which integrates indigenous and foreign technologies, offering valuable lessons to partner nations

The Indian Air Force (IAF) feels that its blend of indigenous and foreign technology and defence equipment, experience in different multinational operations and emphasis on reliability can offer valuable lessons to partner nations participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, one of the world's largest multinational air combat drills currently underway in Australia.

Group Captain Arun Kumar, Commanding Officer of the IAF's 101 'Falcons' Squadron, said in an interview with Australia Today that the IAF has developed a unique operational model by integrating equipment sourced from friendly countries with indigenous technologies.

"The IAF is operating technology from friendly countries across the contingents, as well as employing indigenous technology, creating a unique, blended and efficient operating system. Thus, our way of conducting operation in an all-inclusive method from which I am sure the other participating countries will gain valuable insights," he said.

The IAF is participating in the exercise with its Rafale fighter jets, which Group Captain Kumar described as long-range air superiority aircraft capable of carrying out both offensive and defensive missions. “The aircraft is capable of undertaking offensive and defensive missions to execute strategic and tactical operations. The key capability is its reach, firepower, manoeuvrability and effectiveness in a contested environment,” he was quoted as saying.

Exercise Pitch Black, being held from July 20 to August 7, has brought together air forces from 20 countries along with around 100 fighter and support aircraft and approximately 2,500 military personnel. Apart from the Rafale fighter jets, the Indian contingent includes around 100 air warriors responsible for ground support activities, while two C-17 aircraft ferried personnel and equipment.

According to the IAF officer, the exercise provides an opportunity to assess the service's tactics, training and procedures against other world-class air forces while strengthening interoperability with partner nations.

The IAF's operational focus during the exercise includes Offensive Counter Air missions such as suppression and degradation of enemy air defences, strike, escort and offensive sweep missions, Tactical Air Reconnaissance Combat Air Patrol and air defence missions, Functional Tactical Leader and Mission Commander roles during large-force engagements, in-flight refuelling, basic fighter manoeuvres, logistics supply chain management and exchange sorties.

Group Captain Kumar said the primary objective of the Indian contingent is to enhance interoperability through the exchange of knowledge and operational experience while building long-term friendships and camaraderie with partner air forces.

The exercise also aims to establish compatibility for future collaborative operations, integrate logistics support with partner nations, assess training philosophies in a multinational environment and evaluate common standard operating procedures for future cooperation.

He added that Australia's vast training areas provide an ideal environment to practise a wide range of complex air combat missions in a realistic multinational setting.

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