Australia news live: PM says Pauline Hanson should not ‘talk Australia down’ when overseas
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially launched Exercise Pitch Black 2026, a major international air combat training event held in Darwin. The three-week exercise involves 2,500 personnel and 100 aircraft from 20 different nations to strengthen regional security and cooperation.
Why it matters
This exercise highlights Australia's strategic efforts to bolster military partnerships and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Albanese helps launch major air combat exercise
Anthony Albanese has announced the official opening of Exercise Pitch Black 2026, Australia’s premier international air combat exercise, happening in Darwin.
Over the next three weeks, 100 aircraft and about 2,500 personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force and 20 countries overseas will take part in training activities and exercises in the skies over Australia’s north.
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