Military aircraft and air crews from 20 countries have gathered in Darwin ahead of Exercise Pitch Black 2026, as the major biennial air combat drills prepare to get underway in northern Australia. The buildup marks the start of one of the Royal Australian Air Force's biggest training events.
According to the early details, as many as 100 fighter jets from around the world are expected to take to the skies during the exercise. The scale of the deployment highlights the international reach of Pitch Black and the significance of Darwin as a hub for large multinational aviation operations.
Exercise Pitch Black is held every two years and brings together pilots, aircraft and support teams for complex military flying activities. With so many nations involved, the event is set to be a major display of coordination and readiness in the air over northern Australia.
The arrival of personnel and aircraft in Darwin signals that preparations have moved into the final stage before flying begins. With dozens of jets and participants from across the globe on site, Exercise Pitch Black 2026 is now set to become one of the region's largest military aviation exercises.
