Israel begins preparations for massive U.S.-Israeli joint military drill

Friday, February 23, 2018 | 18:36:07

(VOVWORLD) - Israel's military said Thursday that it has begun deploying forces across the country as part of preparations for a large-scale joint exercise with the U.S. military next month.

The military exercise, code-named "Juniper Cobra 2018," will take place between March 4 and 15, with the participation of 2,500 U.S. troops routinely based in Europe and 2,000 Israeli Aerial Defense troops, logistics units, medical forces and other units. "This will be the largest IDF and USEUCOM (U.S. European Command) joint exercise taking place this year," an Israeli military spokesperson said in a statement. "The aims of the exercise are to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two militaries, promote bilateral learning and enhance aerial defense capabilities," the statement said.

The drill would simulate a scenario in which U.S. forces are deployed to Israel to aid the IDF Aerial Defense forces.