IDF ends joint week-long drill with US Air Force including long-range strikes

The Israel Defense Forces wraps up a joint air drill with the United States Central Command, the third in a series of exercises this year.

In a statement, the IDF says the week-long drill, dubbed Juniper Oak, is “part of the cooperation and close relations with the United States, even at this time,” likely referring to political tensions between the Israeli and US government.

The drill included Israeli and American fighter jets carrying out “long-range strategic strike missions in areas with simulated multiple threats, electronic warfare and area defense against hostile aircraft infiltration,” according to the IDF.

Also during the drill, Israeli Air Force fighter jets refueled from American Boeing KC-10 and KC-46 tankers, the latter of which Israel has ordered four and is expected to receive the first in 2025.

For Israel, the KC-46 aircraft are seen as necessary to conduct potential major strikes against targets in Iran, some 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) from Israel and far outside the normal flight range of Israeli jets.

The IDF says the third installment of Juniper Oak serves as preparation for a major upcoming drill, dubbed Blue Flag.