Finland and Sweden attended Exercise Pitch Black 2026 for the first time, taking part as observers at the Royal Australian Air Force’s major multinational air combat drill in northern Australia. The exercise ran from 20 July to 7 August and centred on RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal, with additional activity from RAAF Base Amberley.
The two Nordic nations did not deploy flying contingents. Their presence was limited to representative participation, with Finland’s delegation focusing on the RAAF’s fighter capabilities. Australia’s Defence Department framed the attendance as part of a broader effort to deepen strategic relationships beyond the exercise itself.
Pitch Black 2026 brought together 21 nations, more than 100 aircraft and up to 2,500 personnel. The RAAF describes it as its biennial capstone international air combat exercise, hosted in the Northern Territory since 1983. The service also highlighted the first-time attendance of Finland and Sweden on its official social channels.