INDIAN AIR FORCE CONCLUDES HIGH-TEMPO MULTINATIONAL EXERCISES PITCH BLACK AND UDARA SHAKTI 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully concluded its participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia and Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 in Malaysia. During Exercise Pitch Black 2026, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, the IAF deployed Rafale aircraft to participate in Large Force Employment missions alongside air forces from over 20 nations. Subsequently, the IAF contingent deployed to Malaysia for Exercise Udara Shakti 2026, conducting joint tactical manoeuvres and high-intensity combat sorties alongside the Royal Malaysian Air Force using Su-30MKM and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. Both exercises focused on enhancing interoperability, tactical coordination, and strategic defence partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.