Israel, US to hold joint military drill

The file photo of an anti-ballistic missile, developed jointly by the United States and Israel, lifting off from Point Mugu Sea Range, off the California coast

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/219562.html

The Israeli military has announced that Tel Aviv is gearing up for a major missile defense exercise with the US forces, which is said to be the largest-ever joint drill held by the two allies.

Israel's army made the announcement about the drill, codenamed "Austere Challenge 12," late on Thursday.

“The exercise scenario involves notional, simulated events as well as some field training,” the Israeli military said.

“These exercises, which are part of a long-standing strategic partnership, are planned in advance and part of a routine training cycle designed to improve the interoperability of our defense systems," it added.

Both Israeli and US officials have said that the exercise would be their biggest-ever joint maneuver.

The military deployment of US anti-missile ships and accompanying support personnel in Israel will reportedly occur in January and later this spring.

US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta previewed the exercise in a speech last month, noting it would be an example of unprecedented levels of military cooperation that the Obama administration has achieved to "back up our unshakable commitment to Israel's security."