Juniper Cobra 2018 is in Full Swing
In the largest training exercise performed by the IDF in cooperation with international forces, American and Israeli forces drill operational orders in preparation for a future operational cooperation
IsraelDefense
| 14/03/2018
Photo: IDF
The Juniper Cobra 2018 training exercise – the largest training exercise performed by the IDF in cooperation with international forces – is in full swing. As part of the three-week long training exercise, the IAF Aerial Defense Division and the USEUCOM (United States European Command) participate side by side in various aerial defense scenarios. The exercise simulates a scenario where US Forces arrive at Israel to assist in missile defense. Throughout the exercise, the participants are practicing operational orders planned for future operational cooperation.
"The 'Juniper Cobra' training exercise is one part of the strategic relationship between the United States and Israel. The breadth of this exercise is unprecedented, with great strategic importance. Both countries believe in the values of freedom and democracy. We fight side by side for these values while protecting Israel from missile threats", said Brig. Gen. Tzvika Haimovich, Commander of the Aerial Defense Division, at the exercise's opening ceremony. "The threat we face is more challenging than ever as a result of the number of theatres, the variety of threats and the enemy's technological development. I whole-heartedly believe that the mission of aerial defense is in good hands, and this exercise confirms that belief."
Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark, Commander of the deployed Joint Task Force-Israel and 3rd Air Force Commander, added: "The mutual training between Israel and the US is the glue that keeps us together. If we see each other as partners during the mission, we can work as one team, fighting a common war. We're here to train and prepare for the moment when we're called to protect Israel."
Juniper Cobra 2018 is the ninth in a series of biennial Juniper Cobra exercises conducted in Israel between the IDF and USEUCOM since 2001. Participating in the exercise are over 2,500 combatants from the EUCOM's 10th Brigade, situated in Germany during routine. The exercise is a peak in the cooperation between the IDF and the US Army. For the first time, the "David's Sling" weapon system is participating in the "Juniper Cobra" exercise after being declared operational in April. For the first time in a decade, US transport aircraft landing was drilled.
"We drill a variety of scenarios in order to train the Israeli and US forces, from 'Patriot' weapon system deployments to interception while coordinating the American and Israeli weapon systems," explained Col. Gershon Zlotnik, Deputy Commander of the Aerial Defense Division. "Two different militaries which need to work in full coordination is the biggest challenge of our cooperation. We are one force, working in synergy to protect Israel."
Brig. Gen. Haimovich went on to add: "In the past, we would focus our training on one theatre. Now, we realize that there is a multi-theatre threat to Israel, and we have to train accordingly. The American service member next to you can be the one to fight beside you in the next campaign."
A Grand Cooperation
The forces face challenging scenarios as part of the exercise, and are required to synchronize the American weapon systems –Patriot, THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) and Aegis Combat System – and Israeli weapon systems – David's Sling, Iron Dome and Arrow. "It's important that the scenarios in the exercise are at the same level as real operational scenarios. This is why we focus on complex missile salvos", explained Lt. Col. Tal Kadori, Head of the Aerial Defense Division's Cooperation Department. "We debrief at the end of each day, reach conclusions and decide what to improve in preparation for the next campaign."
The USS Mount Whitney, the United States Sixth Fleet's flagship, docked in Haifa last Thursday as part of the exercise. Onboard were 500 crewmembers, half of which are senior Sixth Fleet officers taking part in the exercise. Earlier this weekend, the USS Iwo Jima amphibious assault ship docked in Israel. Onboard were 1,415 marines, 1,100 sailors, 25 aircraft and three hovercraft.
The scenarios are designed by the exercise directorate, based on military intelligence and analysis of the state of affairs. The directorate then formulates the simulations. At the end of the simulative stage, a live fire training will be conducted at the Missile Test Unit.
Each one of the IAF's weapon systems is utilized in the exercise, but the "Arrow" Unit is the only unit where US and Israeli forces sit side by side in the Interception Management Center. These service members were trained in a designated course and act as middlemen, connecting the two countries' weapon systems.
"We have to use multiple modes of operation in order to succeed in our common goal," explained Lt. Col. Y., Commander of the "Arrow" Unit. "We learned a lot from the US forces, from combat doctrines to professional operation."
EUCOM Commander in Israel
Last Friday, EUCOM Commander Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti arrived in Israel as the guest of IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot. Gen. Scaparrotti visited the "Juniper Cobra" headquarters located in Hatzor AFB alongside Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi and IAF Commander Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin.
During his visit, Gen. Scaparrotti received an overview of the combined training exercise. "It is a great honor to be here and to celebrate the ongoing cooperation between the two countries," he said. "I can’t think of anything more important than the mission of defending Israel. It's related to all the things I love about Israel and the USA – the mutual ideals and support between the two countries."
"It is important that we stay on ready-alert and continue the close cooperation between the two countries so that during wartime the US forces will be able to arrive immediately," explained Brig. Gen. Tzvika Haimovich, Commander of the Aerial Defense Division. "The goal is that we work side by side throughout any operation, giving us the capability to transfer equipment quickly and operate the weapon systems."
This is Scaparrotti’s third visit to Israel. This visit is a part of the close cooperation between the countries, based on shared ideals and common interests. During his visit, Gen. Scaparrotti met with the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot. The commanders discussed the status in the Middle East, the dynamic threats, the opportunities and the strategic cooperation between the militaries.
"The general’s visit proves the United States' commitment to Israel’s security once more," emphasized the IDF Chief of Staff. "The US has a deep commitment to Israel’s security," added Gen. Scaparrotti. "We will continue to ensure the stability of the area through our cooperation, not only as part of the exercise but also in case of a real situation."
First publication: Carmel Lahad & Tal Ben Naeh, IAF website
In the largest training exercise performed by the IDF in cooperation with international forces, American and Israeli forces drill operational orders in preparation for a future operational cooperation
Photo: IDF
The Juniper Cobra 2018 training exercise – the largest training exercise performed by the IDF in cooperation with international forces – is in full swing. As part of the three-week long training exercise, the IAF Aerial Defense Division and the USEUCOM (United States European Command) participate side by side in various aerial defense scenarios. The exercise simulates a scenario where US Forces arrive at Israel to assist in missile defense. Throughout the exercise, the participants are practicing operational orders planned for future operational cooperation.
"The 'Juniper Cobra' training exercise is one part of the strategic relationship between the United States and Israel. The breadth of this exercise is unprecedented, with great strategic importance. Both countries believe in the values of freedom and democracy. We fight side by side for these values while protecting Israel from missile threats", said Brig. Gen. Tzvika Haimovich, Commander of the Aerial Defense Division, at the exercise's opening ceremony. "The threat we face is more challenging than ever as a result of the number of theatres, the variety of threats and the enemy's technological development. I whole-heartedly believe that the mission of aerial defense is in good hands, and this exercise confirms that belief."
Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark, Commander of the deployed Joint Task Force-Israel and 3rd Air Force Commander, added: "The mutual training between Israel and the US is the glue that keeps us together. If we see each other as partners during the mission, we can work as one team, fighting a common war. We're here to train and prepare for the moment when we're called to protect Israel."
Juniper Cobra 2018 is the ninth in a series of biennial Juniper Cobra exercises conducted in Israel between the IDF and USEUCOM since 2001. Participating in the exercise are over 2,500 combatants from the EUCOM's 10th Brigade, situated in Germany during routine. The exercise is a peak in the cooperation between the IDF and the US Army. For the first time, the "David's Sling" weapon system is participating in the "Juniper Cobra" exercise after being declared operational in April. For the first time in a decade, US transport aircraft landing was drilled.
"We drill a variety of scenarios in order to train the Israeli and US forces, from 'Patriot' weapon system deployments to interception while coordinating the American and Israeli weapon systems," explained Col. Gershon Zlotnik, Deputy Commander of the Aerial Defense Division. "Two different militaries which need to work in full coordination is the biggest challenge of our cooperation. We are one force, working in synergy to protect Israel."
Brig. Gen. Haimovich went on to add: "In the past, we would focus our training on one theatre. Now, we realize that there is a multi-theatre threat to Israel, and we have to train accordingly. The American service member next to you can be the one to fight beside you in the next campaign."
A Grand Cooperation
The forces face challenging scenarios as part of the exercise, and are required to synchronize the American weapon systems –Patriot, THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) and Aegis Combat System – and Israeli weapon systems – David's Sling, Iron Dome and Arrow. "It's important that the scenarios in the exercise are at the same level as real operational scenarios. This is why we focus on complex missile salvos", explained Lt. Col. Tal Kadori, Head of the Aerial Defense Division's Cooperation Department. "We debrief at the end of each day, reach conclusions and decide what to improve in preparation for the next campaign."
The USS Mount Whitney, the United States Sixth Fleet's flagship, docked in Haifa last Thursday as part of the exercise. Onboard were 500 crewmembers, half of which are senior Sixth Fleet officers taking part in the exercise. Earlier this weekend, the USS Iwo Jima amphibious assault ship docked in Israel. Onboard were 1,415 marines, 1,100 sailors, 25 aircraft and three hovercraft.
The scenarios are designed by the exercise directorate, based on military intelligence and analysis of the state of affairs. The directorate then formulates the simulations. At the end of the simulative stage, a live fire training will be conducted at the Missile Test Unit.
Each one of the IAF's weapon systems is utilized in the exercise, but the "Arrow" Unit is the only unit where US and Israeli forces sit side by side in the Interception Management Center. These service members were trained in a designated course and act as middlemen, connecting the two countries' weapon systems.
"We have to use multiple modes of operation in order to succeed in our common goal," explained Lt. Col. Y., Commander of the "Arrow" Unit. "We learned a lot from the US forces, from combat doctrines to professional operation."
EUCOM Commander in Israel
Last Friday, EUCOM Commander Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti arrived in Israel as the guest of IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot. Gen. Scaparrotti visited the "Juniper Cobra" headquarters located in Hatzor AFB alongside Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi and IAF Commander Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin.
During his visit, Gen. Scaparrotti received an overview of the combined training exercise. "It is a great honor to be here and to celebrate the ongoing cooperation between the two countries," he said. "I can’t think of anything more important than the mission of defending Israel. It's related to all the things I love about Israel and the USA – the mutual ideals and support between the two countries."
"It is important that we stay on ready-alert and continue the close cooperation between the two countries so that during wartime the US forces will be able to arrive immediately," explained Brig. Gen. Tzvika Haimovich, Commander of the Aerial Defense Division. "The goal is that we work side by side throughout any operation, giving us the capability to transfer equipment quickly and operate the weapon systems."
This is Scaparrotti’s third visit to Israel. This visit is a part of the close cooperation between the countries, based on shared ideals and common interests. During his visit, Gen. Scaparrotti met with the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot. The commanders discussed the status in the Middle East, the dynamic threats, the opportunities and the strategic cooperation between the militaries.
"The general’s visit proves the United States' commitment to Israel’s security once more," emphasized the IDF Chief of Staff. "The US has a deep commitment to Israel’s security," added Gen. Scaparrotti. "We will continue to ensure the stability of the area through our cooperation, not only as part of the exercise but also in case of a real situation."
First publication: Carmel Lahad & Tal Ben Naeh, IAF website
