Exercise Diamond Storm 2022

Exercise Diamond Storm 2022 was conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal, and in the skies over the “Top End” of the Northern Territory, from 30 May until 24 June 2022.

Exercise Diamond Storm 22 is part of a series of exercises that form the Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC). AWIC encompasses a range of academic activities and practical exercises that expose the candidates to complex scenarios, broadening and improving their skills; graduating humble, knowledgeable, approachable and expert instructors.

AWIC22 integrates warfighting functions across a range of specialisations to develop expert air warfare instructors who will represent the next generation of tactical and integrated warfare experts across the air combat spectrum.

Diamond Storm is the culmination activity of its third biennial Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC), following a six-month long series of exercises throughout Australia.

AWIC22 encompassed three integration exercises – Exercise Diamond Seas, Exercise Diamond Shield and Exercise Diamond Storm, and integrates warfighting functions across a range of specialisations to develop expert air warfare instructors who will represent the next generation of tactical and integrated warfare experts across the air combat spectrum.

Commander Air Warfare Centre, Air Commodore Ross Bender said the Diamond Series of exercises enhanced and promoted Air Force’s interoperability with the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and international partners.

“Diamond Seas and Diamond Shield brought together Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Air Force elements in complex maritime and defensive counter air focused scenarios, providing training opportunities to practise and consolidate integrated tactics,” Air Commodore Bender said.

“As the culmination activity, Diamond Storm provides our candidates with the opportunity to apply their skills in high-end warfighting scenarios alongside international partners.”

The trainee air warfare instructors developed their expertise through academic activities and practical exercises that expose the candidates to complex scenarios, focused on broadening and improving their skills.

“On completion of the course, our air warfare instructors will be knowledgeable and approachable experts who can integrate people, systems and combat effects across the five warfare domains: air, land, maritime, space and cyber,” Air Commodore Bender said.

“We will conduct Exercise Diamond Storm throughout the Northern Territory, to operate within some of best training environments Australia has to offer.”