From March 11 to 29, pilots, intelligence officers and air combat officers will be tested in the practical components of the air warfare instructors’ course (AWIC).

Diamond Shield will be conducted from RAAF Bases Williamtown and Amberley, and will operate over the east coast training areas.

Exercise director, Group Captain Matthew McCormack, said the aim of the AWIC was to graduate expert leaders and instructors capable of tactics development, validation and instruction.

"The course exercises complex war-like scenarios and the students put their newly developed skills into practice and make decisions which will shape the way Air Force fights in the future," he said.

“As ADF platforms interact, electronically, so too must the human elements interact more closely to get the greatest benefit from this technology.

“AWIC has done that and each component of the course has prepared the instructors to be more effective in the integrated Air Warfare space.

“Graduates will provide leadership in the development of future tactics and help determine how those tactics can be used to enhance the ADF’s joint warfighting capability using fifth generation capabilities.

“We are excited to welcome the return of USAF partners from 18th Aggressor Squadron, 765th Air Refuelling Squadron and 23rd Bomber Squadron, for this important training alliance."

There would be an increase in Australian Defence Force and foreign forces flying activities during this time, he said.