Israel, Greece complete major joint air force drill, practice long-range strikes

The Israeli and Greek air forces wrapped up a joint drill yesterday, which included long-range flights, aerial refueling, low-altitude flights, and the use of live fire, the Israel Defense Forces says.

The IDF says that during the drill, dozens of Israeli Air Force fighter jets flew thousands of kilometers from Israel to Greece and back.

“In Greek territory, the fighter jets practiced low-altitude flights and dropping live ammunition in designated areas,” the IDF says.

The IDF says the drill was carried out under “particularly challenging” weather conditions, but despite this, all the mock targets were destroyed.

Greece experienced major flooding caused by Mediterranean storm Daniel over the last week.

Fighter jets of the Hellenic Air Force joined the IAF warplanes during their long-range flights into Greek territory, which the IDF says is aimed at “mutual learning.”

“The exercise is part of a series of exercises and models carried out by the IAF in the past year and their purpose is to improve operational and mental competence for long-range flights, refueling, attacks deep [within enemy territory] and achieving air superiority,” the IDF says.

Several more drills of this type will be held this year, the military adds.