The Israeli and Greek Air Forces conducted a joint and large-scale exercise yesterday (Wednesday) with the participation of dozens of combat aircraft from several squadrons, tanker aircraft, and reconnaissance aircraft.
During the exercise, dozens of aircraft took off and flew for several hours along thousands of kilometers, from Israel to deep within Greek territory and back. In Greek territory, the combat aircraft conducted low-level flights and live ammunition drops in designated firing areas.
According to the IDF's statement, the flight was conducted under particularly challenging weather conditions, the ammunition hits were precise, and all the targets were destroyed. Long-range flights were carried out in close cooperation with the Hellenic Air Force, involving mutual learning and sharing of operational knowledge.
It was also stated that "the exercise is part of a series of exercises and models that the Israeli Air Force has conducted in the past year. Their goal is to improve operational and mental readiness for long-range flights, refueling, deep strikes, and achieving air superiority. Similar exercises of this nature will also be conducted later this year."
"The purpose of the exercise - improving the readiness of the Air Force"
The commander of Squadron 106, Brigadier General M, summarized the exercise: "We conclude a significant exercise that took place over two days, including preparation exercises. We flew round-trip to Greece, and in practice, we collaborated with the Greeks both in their territory and ours, deepening international cooperation between us. The exercise had two main objectives. The first was the collaboration with the Greeks, which involved mutual learning and leveraging the relative advantage of each country."
He further added: "The second objective is to improve the readiness of the Air Force, from the ground domain, control, maintenance, and up to the aerial domain, in dealing with long-range flights that involve weather challenges, durability, limited intelligence, and sometimes a very complex mission, all to carry it out and return home safely."