Blackhawk helicopters carry out counter-terrorism training in Melbourne

WATCH: HELICOPTERS spent hours hovering over Melbourne in the early hours of this morning. But what exactly were they doing there?

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BLACKHAWK helicopters have spent hours hovering over the city early this morning leaving sleepy Melburnians asking what were they doing there.

Many inner city residents reported hearing army helicopters in the city from 1am until around 4am this morning but officials say it’s all part of routine training.

Blackhawk helicopters fly over the MCG. Picture: Jason Edwards

Blackhawk helicopters fly over Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: Jason Edwards

Blackhawk helicopters fly over Melbourne CBD. Picture: Jason Edwards

Blackhawk helicopters fly over Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: Jason Edwards

Military helicopter hovering above Melbourne Vue de monde. it's touching down. Training? #melbourne #vuedemonde @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/WNJScTtHzz

— Luc (@LucPettett) May 11, 2017

The Australian Defence Force is carrying out counter terrorism training throughout Melbourne this month with defence force personnel and Blackhawk helicopters enlisted to simulate terrorism scenarios.

Training will take place at a series of buildings in the CBD and surrounding area which may involve vehicles and soldiers carrying weapons and tactical equipment as well as the use of blank ammunition and pyrotechnics.

Melburnians took to social media during the early hours of the morning to seek answers.

I understand doing ADF helicopter training at night, but at 4am? Just seems needlessly cruel towards people in Melbourne who were sleeping

— Lord Worthington (@LordWorthington) May 11, 2017

What's with all the bloody helicopters flying over Melbourne overnight? Are we at war? #Godzilla

— Robstar (@Rob2563) May 11, 2017

Many of these training exercises are scheduled to occur at night but the ADF said they will work to minimise the noise disturbance to residents.

Police helicopters doing precision flying around the Rialto towers in Melbourne CBD. Training exercises again it seems. pic.twitter.com/reelPv9mmn

— Justin S. (@boblikespi) May 11, 2017

The simulated scenarios throughout the month of May are part of routine training and aim to provide officers with realistic training environments and scenarios in built-up areas.