USA and Israel Together Simulate Battles on Three Fronts in Joint Drills

The largest joint USA-Israeli air-defense exercise is under way, with thousands of troops deployed across the country simulating scenarios where Israel faces missile barrages simultaneously on various fronts.They are practicing with some of the Pentagon’s newest and most sophisticated equipment in cooperation with the IDF (Israel Defense Force). They are, for the first time, making large-scale operational tests of the recently deployed David’s Sling mid-range air defense system.

The exercises are steps in improving readiness of the IDF and the Israeli Air Force (IAF) as they face threats from high-trajectory missiles.

The United States and Israel enjoy a strong and enduring military partnership built on a trust that has been developed over decades of cooperation.

The environment in which Israel finds itself is “explosive,” said Brig. Gen Zvika Haimovitch, head of the Aerial Defense Division, adding that “at the beginning of the next war the enemy will use more fire in the opening barrage.”

While “the exercise demonstrates the close and strategic cooperation between the IDF and the USA armed forces,” Haimovitch continued, "Israel has the capabilities to protect the country from threats posed by its enemies. Nevertheless, you want to have all the capabilities and the Americans bring additional strengths.” (J.Post)