Exercise Diamond Storm 2019 will commence at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal from 29 April to 29 May 2019.
The exercise is the final phase of the Air Warfare Instructor Course, a three phase intensive six-month course that integrates warfighting functions across a range of specialisations.
Exercise Diamond Storm is a Large Force Employment exercise with a focus on the execution of tactical offensive counter air operations. Aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force and the United States Air Force will participate in the exercise and will operate across the Top End, launching from RAAF bases Darwin and Tindal.
Exercise Director, Group Captain Matthew McCormack said the Diamond Series of exercises will enhance expertise leading up to the introduction of fifth generation capabilities into the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
“The course exercises complex war-like scenarios and the students put their newly developed skills into practice, making decisions which will shape the way Air Force fights in the future,” Group Captain McCormack said.
Local residents can expect an increase in ADF and foreign forces flying activities during this period. All flying is scheduled for week days only. Night flying during the exercise will conclude no later than 11pm.
Proposed Week 1 flying schedule (29 Apr – 03 May)
Monday-Thursday: 2pm - 5pm, and 7pm - 9.30pm
Friday: 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Proposed Week 2 flying schedule (6-10 May)
Monday-Thursday: 9.30am - 12pm, and 4 - 6pm
Friday: 10am - 12pm
Proposed week 3 flying schedule (13-17 May)
Monday: 11.30am – 1.30pm, and 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Tuesday: 11.30am – 1.30pm, and 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Wednesday: 1.30pm – 3.30pm, and 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Thursday: 1.30pm – 3.30pm, and 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Friday: 10.30am – 2pm
Proposed week 4 flying schedule (20 May – 26 May)
Monday: 1.30pm – 3.30pm, and 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Tuesday: 1.30pm – 3.30pm, and 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Wednesday: 1.30pm – 3.30pm, and 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Thursday: 1.30pm – 3.30pm, and 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Friday: 11.00am – 1pm
NB: Flying schedules can change at late notice due to weather or operational issues.
Every effort is made to minimise any inconvenience to local residents. More information on current flying activities and aircraft noise can be found at the RAAF Darwin Noise Map and Defence Aircraft Noise website.
You can find more about the overarching course in this Air Warfare Instructors Course news item.
