TEL AVIV — The Israel Air Force is conducting combat maneuvers in
preparation for long-range strikes.
Military sources said the air force has been preparing squadrons for
long-range strikes in such countries as Iran and Syria. The sources said the
exercises focused on targeting and destroying ground targets in areas that
contain advanced air defense systems.
"The most realistic scenario envisions a brief window of opportunity to
target and destroy a high-value target," a military source said.
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The exercises have also recreated scenarios of Israeli fighter-jets
under threat from enemy air forces. Under these scenarios, Israeli F-15 and
F-16 pilots would be required to maneuver between air defense systems and
enemy interceptors.
In August, the air force held a competition titled Skewer," in which two
combat squadrons recreated a war scenario. Several squadrons participated in
a competition in which a four-jet formation was directed to target and
destroy ground targets without being harmed by air defense or enemy
aircraft. Squadron 105, which flies the F-16C/D multi-role fighter won the
competition.
The live-fire competitions were meant to augment air force exercises to
enhance skills of pilots and navigators to conduct long-range strikes. The
exercises were also designed to increase interoperability between F-15 and
F-16 aircraft.
