There will finally be a storm in the skies above Katherine after a less than average wet season.
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This storm will come in the form of the military jets and helicopters taking part in Exercise Diamond Storm 2019 for the next month.
The Tindal RAAF Base will again be pivotal in the joint exercise between the RAAF and the US Air Force.
RAAF aircraft participating in the exercise include the F/A-18A Hornet, F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, Hawk 127, AP-3C Orion, P-8A Poseidon, C-17A Globemaster, KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport, E-7A Wedgetail and C-130J Hercules.
USAF aircraft Include F-15C Eagle and B-52 Stratofortress Bomber and USMC MV-22 Osprey, and AH-1Z Viper.
The exercise itself 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.
The exercise will officially begin on Monday and end on May 29.
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Exercise Diamond Storm is a Large Force Employment exercise with a focus on the execution of tactical offensive counter air operations.
Aircraft from the RAAF 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.
"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.
