US officials believe an air force exercise in Europe earlier this month was in preparation for an assault against Iran. The move was viewed as a show of strength by Israel, sending a message to Europe to continue pressure on Iran, while sending a clear message to Tehran, that Israel will not continue to tolerate its development of a nuclear weapon.

The exercise was timed with Major-General Ido Nehushtan assuming command of the air force, a major step intended to permit pilots to exercise a long-range mission, 1,500 kilometers (900 miles). The exercise took place over the eastern Mediterranean, over Greece, involving over 100 F15 and F16 fighter jets, Yasur (Blackhawk) helicopters, two Boeing 707 refueling craft and a command airplane which also contained electronic surveillance. Israel obtained permission from a number of countries to use their airspace, a scenario that mimics realities should a strike against Iran be ordered in the future.

According to observers, the distance involved in the major training event was similar to a real mission for pilots flying from Israel to Natanz, Iran. Refueling and other procedures were also practiced, once again, mimicking a mission to Iran.

The Times stated the IDF Spokesperson’s Office declined comment on details of the training operation, stating, the air force “regularly trains for various missions in order to confront and meet the challenges posed by the threats facing Israel.”

According to the Pentagon, Israel routinely conducts a major training exercise in the early summer, over Turkey or over the Mediterranean, but stated this year, the event involved a larger number of aircraft and observers took notice that much time was spent in rehearsing a combat rescue mission.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)