At this time of year, the clear blue skies over Northern Australia make for a stunning view.
The conditions for the Australian Air Force RAAF's joint exercise Pitch Black with our international military partners, in which we simulate realistic threats, are perfect.
Seventeen nations come together at one of the largest air force training grounds in the world.
This year, Germany is also taking part for the first time.
As Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Australia, I personally welcomed the Eurofighters and German Air Force personnel to the RAAF base in Darwin.
That they were able to reach the Indo-Pacific in just 24 hours is impressive.
And it shows the increasing determination of German-Australian cooperation on security issues in our region.