Big air defence exercise at Darwin

The air defences of Northern Australia are to be tested by strike aircraft from three countries, playing the role of the enemy aircraft. Darwin air base will be defended by Mirage fighter of the RAAF. Exercise "Top Limit", is the first major air exercise staged in Australia since the RAAF ended its operations in Vietnam. More than 50 aircraft are taking part in the exercise, including RAF Vulcan bombers from the U.K.; Douglas A4 Skyhawk attack bombers from New Zealand, and RAAF F4E Phantoms, Neptunes, Hercules and Caribou aircraft. Over 1,500 men are based at Darwin and Tindal, 200 miles to the south for the duration of the exercise.