CANBERRA, JULY 24/INDIAN ABROAD NEWSDESK
The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 has won the inter-contingent football tournament, adding a sporting triumph to its participation in the multinational air combat exercise in Australia.
The victory came as air force personnel from participating countries competed in the friendly tournament alongside the military exercise, highlighting camaraderie and teamwork beyond operational activities.
The Indian contingent, comprising around 100 Air Warriors and four Rafale fighter aircraft, is taking part in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Darwin, Northern Territory. The biennial exercise brings together air forces from across the Indo-Pacific and other partner nations to strengthen interoperability, enhance combat readiness and deepen defence cooperation.
Celebrating the achievement, the Indian Air Force said its Air Warriors had proved to be “Top Gun” not only in the skies but also on the sports field.
India’s participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 underscores the growing defence partnership between Australia and India and provides an opportunity for personnel from participating nations to build professional ties through both operational training and sporting activities.
