Israeli fighter jets join military exercises over north-eastern England
An Israeli F15 fighter jet landing at RAF Waddington to take part in Exercise Cobra Warrior
Ian Cobain reports in Middle East Eye:
Israeli fighter jets have taken part in a training exercise in British air space for the first time, as the Israeli Air Force seeks new opportunities for military co-operation, and European air forces seek to learn more about combating air defence systems.
Seven Israeli F15s and a refuelling tanker took part in the British Royal Air Force-hosted exercise, known as Cobra Warrior, alongside around 40 other aircraft from Germany, Italy, the US and the UK.
Together, they practised aerial combat and refuelling over the sea off the north east of England, and simulated attacks on targets on the ground.
“We can learn [from] their drills and the way they are flying,” said Brigadier General Amnon Ein Dar, head of training for the Israeli air force. “It’s a huge lesson learned.” He added that he hoped there would be further joint exercises with European air forces.
Mark Regev, the Israeli ambassador to London, also appeared briefly at the exercise, which he hailed as strengthening the democracies of both Britain and Israel.