Arabic version: العرض الجوي «بيتش بلاك» يجذب حشوداً في داروين

According to The Guardian, thousands of spectators gathered at Mindil beach in Darwin for the 2026 Pitch Black flying display. The event has been a traditional part of the Exercise Pitch Black calendar since 2012 and coincided with Darwin’s regular Mindil beach sunset markets.

An estimated 20,000 people watched aircraft pass over the beach and nearby water as the sun set. Images from the display showed an RAAF officer standing with young spectators while an RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet flew past, while another young spectator wore hearing protection.

More than 100 aircraft and personnel from 21 allied and partner nations exercise together in the biennial display. Aircraft pictured included a Japan Air Self-Defense Force E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and F-35A Lightning II, German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons, Republic of Korea Air Force F-16s and T-50 Golden Eagles.

RAAF Super Hornets featured repeatedly in the flying display, including aircraft crossing the setting sun, approaching the beach over boats gathered offshore and releasing flares. An RAAF F-35A Lightning II and a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, silhouetted against the sunset, were also shown.

US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft flew past spectators, with one hovering above the water and creating a cloud of spray. The air force has a long history of conducting air exercises in the Northern Territory, including in the 1960s and 70s. The first Exercise Pitch Black was held at RAAF Base Darwin in May 1983.