Fighter pilots from around the world are set to hone their flying and combat skills in high-tech war games at the Top End.
The fast-jet season has blasted off in the Northern Territory ahead of the Royal Australian Air Force's premier international air combat event - Exercise Pitch Black.
A series of air force exercises will be held during the NT's dry season from late May to September, culminating in the Pitch Black operation involving pilots and aircraft from up to 20 nations.