.jpg)
.jpg)
Pitch Black returns
EXERCISE PITCH BLACK RETURNS TO AUSTRALIA'S TOP END IN 2026
One of the world's largest and most respected multinational air combat exercises is set to return to the Northern Territory, with Exercise Pitch Black 2026 taking place from 20 July to 7 August.
Hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, this year's exercise will see more than 100 military aircraft and personnel from 19 allied and partner nations operating across Australia's vast Top End training areas. The exercise provides an opportunity for participating air forces to train together in complex, combat-realistic scenarios while strengthening interoperability and regional partnerships.
Participating nations include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Fiji, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
For aviation enthusiasts, Exercise Pitch Black also brings two outstanding public events to Darwin.
✈️ Mindil Beach Flying Display📅 Thursday 23 July🕔 5:00pm – 6:30pm
The iconic sunset flying display returns to Mindil Beach, offering spectacular aerial demonstrations against one of Australia's most famous coastal backdrops. Best of all, it's a free, non-ticketed community event.
✈️ RAAF Darwin Open Day📅 Saturday 1 August
Visitors will have the opportunity to get up close to a wide variety of military aircraft, explore static displays, meet aircrew and personnel from participating nations, and learn more about the capabilities being showcased during the exercise. Entry is free, however tickets must be booked in advance, with no tickets available on the day. Follow this link to book your tickets now :- https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1577591 Exercise Commander Air Commodore Matt McCormack said Pitch Black is vital for strengthening Australia's relationships with allies and partners while improving the ability to operate together in challenging environments.
Since its beginnings more than four decades ago, Exercise Pitch Black has grown into one of the premier multinational air warfare exercises in the Indo-Pacific, attracting some of the world's most capable military aircraft and air forces.
With a diverse range of fighters, transports, tankers, surveillance aircraft and helicopters expected to participate, Pitch Black 2026 promises to be another outstanding event for military aviation fans.
Will you be making the trip to Darwin for Pitch Black 2026? Let us know what aircraft you're hoping to see!
One of the world's largest and most respected multinational air combat exercises is set to return to the Northern Territory, with Exercise Pitch Black 2026 taking place from 20 July to 7 August.
Hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, this year's exercise will see more than 100 military aircraft and personnel from 19 allied and partner nations operating across Australia's vast Top End training areas. The exercise provides an opportunity for participating air forces to train together in complex, combat-realistic scenarios while strengthening interoperability and regional partnerships.
Participating nations include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Fiji, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
For aviation enthusiasts, Exercise Pitch Black also brings two outstanding public events to Darwin.
✈️ Mindil Beach Flying Display📅 Thursday 23 July🕔 5:00pm – 6:30pm
The iconic sunset flying display returns to Mindil Beach, offering spectacular aerial demonstrations against one of Australia's most famous coastal backdrops. Best of all, it's a free, non-ticketed community event.
✈️ RAAF Darwin Open Day📅 Saturday 1 August
Visitors will have the opportunity to get up close to a wide variety of military aircraft, explore static displays, meet aircrew and personnel from participating nations, and learn more about the capabilities being showcased during the exercise. Entry is free, however tickets must be booked in advance, with no tickets available on the day. Follow this link to book your tickets now :- https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1577591 Exercise Commander Air Commodore Matt McCormack said Pitch Black is vital for strengthening Australia's relationships with allies and partners while improving the ability to operate together in challenging environments.
Since its beginnings more than four decades ago, Exercise Pitch Black has grown into one of the premier multinational air warfare exercises in the Indo-Pacific, attracting some of the world's most capable military aircraft and air forces.
With a diverse range of fighters, transports, tankers, surveillance aircraft and helicopters expected to participate, Pitch Black 2026 promises to be another outstanding event for military aviation fans.
Will you be making the trip to Darwin for Pitch Black 2026? Let us know what aircraft you're hoping to see!
.jpg)
.jpg)