The military exercise is reportedly the largest-ever joint Israel-United States operation, set to get underway next week. The comprehensive joint training event has taken place in past years, every other year, but next week’s is expected to be the largest ever, testing advanced systems and systems designed to intercept ballistic missile attacks.

17 US naval vessels will take part in the event, along with ground forces and missile operating crews responsible for the Aegis, THAAD and Patriot systems, which will be tested along with Arrow-II, a joint Israeli and US project, also intended as a response to regional ballistic missile threats.

The most senior IDF commanders will be observing the exercise and America’s commander of the 6th fleet, Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, will head the American team.

This largest-ever drill as it is being dubbed is especially poignant with the growing Iranian threat accompanied by Syria and Hizbullah working tenaciously to acquire advanced anti-aircraft and ballistic missile systems.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)