Indian Air Force completes major air exercises in Australia and Malaysia

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has concluded two major international air exercises, Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia and Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 in Malaysia. These deployments aimed to strengthen strategic defense partnerships and operational interoperability across the Indo-Pacific region.

During Exercise Pitch Black 2026, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, the IAF deployed its frontline Rafale fighter aircraft to participate alongside air forces from more than 20 nations. The exercise involved complex Large Force Employment missions within high-threat, multi-domain operational environments.

Following the Australian deployment, the IAF contingent moved to Subang, Malaysia, for Exercise Udara Shakti 2026. This bilateral engagement with the Royal Malaysian Air Force focused on high-intensity combat sorties and joint tactical maneuvers. IAF aircrew operated alongside Malaysian Su-30MKM and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft to refine air combat tactics and exchange professional expertise.