Sunday marked the beginning of Juniper Cobra 16, a combined United States European Command (US EUCOM) and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) exercise.
Juniper Cobra is a combined ballistic missile defense exercise held biennially between the IDF and US EUCOM. Sunday launched the eighth in a series of biennial exercises between the two militaries dating back to 2001. This exercise is part of a planned training schedule that seeks to enhance inter-operability between the militaries in the context of exercising defensive capabilities. Planning for the exercise began over a year ago and is not related to any specific events or developments in the region.
During the course of the exercise, over 1,700 U.S. Service members, civilians and contractors will participate together with the IDF in addressing computer simulated challenges that Israel could face. The IDF sees Juniper Cobra as an opportunity to increase the long-standing cooperation between the military forces.
During the exercise, increased military activity may be noted.
“This exercise is a significant milestone in the strategic relationship between the two countries, a security alliance unmatched by any other country in the world. This collaboration reflects a commitment to protecting civilian lives as well as a deep appreciation of the IDF, IAF and the Aerial Defense System,” Brigadier General Zvika Haimovich, commander of the Aerial Defense Division, said.
Major General Mark Loeben, director of Exercises and Assessments at EUCOM headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, stated: “Support for Israel’s defense has been an integral part of US policy in the region for decades, and this exercise has, and will continue, to directly support that policy. This exercise is our nation’s premier exercise in the region and EUCOM’s highest priority exercise for 2016.”
Source: IDF News
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