The United States and Israel Air Forces have conducted a joint exercise to strengthen their operational cooperation. The exercise, which is part of a series of drills conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with the Central Command of the U.S. Army, is called the “Juniper Oak” training exercise.

The exercise entails simulated aerial combat scenarios such as deep attacks into enemy territory, establishing air superiority in space, and cyber defence against various threats. Additionally, the drill simulates aerial refuelling using the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus, the aircraft selected by the U.S.

Air Force in 2011 to replace the older Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker. The “Juniper Oak” exercise comes after the two-week “Red Flag” training exercise conducted by the IDF and the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in the skies of the U.S. state of Nevada in March.

The exercise was run out of Nellis U.S. Air Force Base, located approximately 8 miles northeast of Las Vegas. The drill saw nearly 100 aircraft from both countries, taking part in daily drills. The “Juniper Oak” exercise, which took place in January in Israel and the eastern Mediterranean Sea, was the largest exercise conducted with the Central Command (CENTCOM).

The CENTCOM’s territory includes the Middle East. The exercise was participated by more than 140 aircraft, 12 naval vessels and artillery systems from both countries. The joint exercise between the US and Israel Air Forces shows the commitment of both countries to strengthen their operational cooperation.

This helps both countries to be better prepared in case of any military conflicts in the future. In addition, the exercise also helps to improve the understanding of each country’s procedures and tactics. The joint exercise also demonstrates the closeness of the US-Israel alliance.

The two countries have a long history of military cooperation and joint exercises, which have only strengthened over the years. As the two countries continue to cooperate and strengthen their relationship, it is expected that the US and Israel Air Forces will continue to conduct joint exercises in the future.