IAF completes joint exercise with Italian Air Force

Israeli Air Force sends number of squadrons from Nevatim, Tel Nof bases including F15, F16; Italians use Euro-fighter Typhoon.

By YAAKOV KATZ
iaf (photo credit: IDF)
iaf
(photo credit: IDF)
Refused permission to fly in Turkish airspace, the Israeli Air Force continued to create alliances with additional air forces in the region, wrapping up a two-week exercise with the Italian Air Force on Friday on the island of Sardinia.
A number of squadrons of F-15 and F-16 fighter jets from the IAF’s Nevatim and Tel Nof bases participated in the maneuvers, which focused on low-altitude flights, dogfights and longrange interception. Air force sources said the teams were allowed to fly over a large portion of the island, equivalent in size to Israel.
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It was the first time the IAF had sent one of its new airborne warning and control system (AWACS) planes, known as Eitam, for an overseas training exercise.
The Italian Air Force used several advanced aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon. It was important for Israel to train with the Eurofighter since it is part of the Saudi Arabian fleet.
As part of the exercise, teams trained at low altitudes.
The “red team,” played by the Italian side, impersonated the enemy so the sides could stimulate interceptions.
The teams also flew at low altitudes. Low altitude flying is important for missions that require avoiding detection by enemy radar.
Facing threats far away from Israel such as Iran, the IAF has increased its overseas exercises in recent years, particularly amid Turkey’s refusal to allow Israel to deploy its fighter jets in Turkish airspace since Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip in 2009.
Last month, combat helicopters from the air force completed a four-day joint exercise with the Hellenic Air Force in Greece, and in July, an IAF Yasour helicopter crew died when their aircraft crashed during a joint training exercise. Six IAF servicemen and one Romanian soldier were killed in the crash.