AUTHOR

Shashank Mishra

EDITOR

Shashank Mishra is the Founder and Editor of India Defence Wire, where he covers defence, national security, military affairs, aerospace, and strategic developments. His work centres on accurate, fact-based coverage of India's evolving defence landscape, with particular emphasis on military modernisation, indigenous defence programmes, defence manufacturing, acquisitions, and emerging technologies.

He closely follows developments across the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, as well as the DRDO, the defence industry, and India's broader strategic environment. Through India Defence Wire, he is committed to delivering objective, context-driven journalism that explains complex defence and security issues with clarity and precision.

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IAF Pitch Black 2026 Contingent Opens Flying at Darwin With the Rafale

The Indian Air Force begins flying at Exercise Pitch Black 2026 from RAAF Base Darwin on 20 July, with Rafale fighters backed by a C-17 Globemaster III and an IL-78 tanker. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the contingent a day before the exercise, which runs to 7 August, the first time the IAF has taken the Rafale to Darwin.

19/7/2026 | INDIA DEFENCE

Durand Cup 2026 Kicks Off with the Kolkata Derby as 24 Teams Enter the 135th Edition

INDIA DEFENCE

Shashank Mishra

IAF Pitch Black 2026 Contingent Opens Flying at Darwin With the Rafale

Durand Cup 2026 Kicks Off with the Kolkata Derby as 24 Teams Enter the 135th Edition

Vikram-1 orbital launch takes Skyroot to orbit on the first attempt

MH-60R Seahawk delivery at Kochi brings another Romeo, with two more due this week

IAF Rafale Pitch Black 2026 Confirmation Makes India the Only Rafale Operator at Darwin

Exercise Pitch Black 2026 opens over the Top End with the IAF among 20 air forces

BrahMos defence export: the missile that made India a seller

Astra missile export to Indonesia marks a first for India's BVRAAM

A salute, then his father's feet: the family behind Gen Dhiraj Seth