Peter R Foster IDMA / Shutterstock.com
The “Blue Flag” exercise kicked off in Israel last week; an international training exercise hosting air forces from around the world to strengthen cooperation between the participating nations. It is the first deployment of a British fighter squadron in Israel since the establishment of the Jewish State.
The exercise, which is hosted by the Israeli Air Force and will last through the end of the month, will include fly-bys over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Teams from the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Italy, France, Greece and India are participating this year. A variety of fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft will take part in the drill, including the F-35, F-15, Eurofighter and Dassault Rafale.
The exercise is also the first-ever deployment of an Indian “Mirage” fighter squadron in Israel, and the first deployment of a French “Rafale” fighter squadron in Israel. The IDF said in a statement: “During the exercise, the participants will simulate in-air battles and ground-to-air battles, and will practice dealing with the threat of advanced surface-to-air missiles and combat behind enemy lines”.
The statement added: “The fly-by expresses the strong partnership and connection between the air forces and the countries, as well as the commitment to the continued cooperation in the future”.
