IAF and US Troops Complete ‘Landmark’ Air Defense Drill

Israel Air Force (IAF) soldiers and US troops successfully concluded the “Juniper Falcon” 2019 in Israel which simulated the rapid deployment of US forces and their assisting in Israel’s missile defense.

The six-day exercise, which concluded on Thursday, was performed by the IAF Air Defense Division in cooperation with the USEUCOM (United States European Command). As part of the exercise, the largest directorate exercise performed by the IDF in cooperation with the US Military, the two militaries drilled the arrival of US forces to take part in defending Israel against missile attacks, just as it would occur in real-time war.

“The exercise is a significant landmark in the two militaries’ cooperation, and emphasizes the deep strategic partnership between Israel and the United States,” the IDF stated.

“The ‘Juniper Falcon’ exercise is one of many mutual exercises performed by the two countries,” said Brig. Gen. Ran Kochav, Commander of the Air Defense Division.

“We simulated the first days of the US forces’ deployment, drilling the ways we would integrate and transport the forces,” explained Lt. Col. Tal Kaduri, Head of the Air Defense Division’s Cooperation Department. “The integration stage is complex and so it is necessary that we include it in our exercises”.

The 300 US troops and 400 IDF troops from the Air Defense Division, the Operations Directorate, the Navy, logistical units and medical forces participated in the drill.

There are American crews deployed in Israel throughout the year, regardless of exercises. They train alongside Israeli crews both inside and outside of Israel so that they are prepared for when they are called upon to assist in defending Israel.

“The exercise helps us familiarize ourselves with the operational orders. In the past we would encounter an operational order once every two years, but now it’s gone down to once a year. We work alongside our US partners and drill the scenario in real-time”, said Lt. Col. (Res’) Erez Elimelech, the head of the exercise’s directorate.

Israel’s multi-layered defense system includes the Arrow, the Iron Dome system and David’s Sling, designed to contend with mid-range missiles. They provide a defense against a wide array of ballistic projectiles, with eyes on the Iranian ballistic threat and those posed by the Hezbollah terror organization from Lebanon and Hamas from Gaza. The IAF utilizes a wide range of air defense systems but still may require the US forces’ assistance.

“We understand that the enemy has more missiles, and want to have several modes of defense. A backup force is appropriate in a situation of this sort”, elaborated Lt. Col. Kaduri.

The Hezbollah terror organization is estimated to have at least 120,000 missiles which can hit most of the country.

The importance of US Forces being deployed in Israel is both tactical and strategic. “US forces in Israel may deter the enemy from operation”, elaborated Brig. Gen. Kochav. “It’s clear to everyone involved that the Americans are our best friends and that our values are similar. Personal relationships are an integral part of mission performance”.

“We have a strong cooperation that dates back many years,” concluded Capt. A.J. Jaime, a US Air Force Logistics Readiness Officer. “It’s a partnership that we want to foster. It’s always beneficial to have allies, especially in a world as conflicted as ours. We’re happy to be here in Israel.”