The Indian Air Force has successfully concluded its participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia and Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 in Malaysia, completing a high-tempo dual-nation deployment aimed at strengthening operational capabilities and strategic defence partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
During Exercise Pitch Black 2026, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, the IAF deployed its frontline Rafale fighter aircraft alongside air forces from more than 20 participating nations. The exercise provided an opportunity to operate in a complex, high-threat and multi-domain environment while undertaking demanding Large Force Employment missions.
The multinational exercise enabled participating air forces to practise complex air operations, improve tactical coordination and exchange operational experience. For the IAF, the engagement further strengthened interoperability with partner air forces and provided valuable exposure to diverse operational concepts and tactics.
Following its participation in Australia, the IAF contingent deployed directly to Subang in Malaysia for Exercise Udara Shakti 2026. The bilateral exercise with the Royal Malaysian Air Force focused on high-intensity combat sorties, joint tactical manoeuvres and enhanced operational flexibility.
During Udara Shakti, IAF aircrew conducted missions alongside and against Royal Malaysian Air Force Su-30MKM and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. The training provided opportunities to refine air combat tactics and improve understanding of different platforms, operational procedures and tactical approaches.
The exercise also featured subject matter expert exchanges, enabling personnel from both air forces to share professional knowledge and discuss operational practices. Such engagements contributed to strengthening mutual understanding and enhancing the ability of the two air forces to operate together effectively.
The cooperation extended beyond flying operations, with participating personnel engaging in maintenance practices, mission planning exchanges and other professional activities. Cultural interactions among personnel further strengthened camaraderie and mutual understanding between the participating forces.
The successful completion of the two exercises demonstrated the IAF’s ability to sustain high-tempo international deployments while operating with multiple partner air forces across geographically diverse environments.
The engagements also highlighted India’s growing focus on strengthening defence partnerships and interoperability with friendly countries in the Indo-Pacific through regular and realistic joint training.
The Indian Air Force continues to use multinational and bilateral exercises as platforms to enhance combat preparedness, exchange operational expertise and develop greater interoperability, contributing to regional stability and collaborative security in the Indo-Pacific.
