Israel-US joint military exercise concludes successfully
Three-week joint air defense drill against rockets, long-range missile threats dubbed Juniper Cobra 10 ends; hailed successful by both army commanders
The drill, which aimed at improving cooperation between the two armies while focusing on aerial defense, was declared satisfactory.
Preparations ahead of the exercise, which was held for the fifth time, lasted a year and a half, and integrated some 1,400 soldiers from four different US military divisions and hundreds of IDF soldiers and commanders.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday during his speech at the 2009 General Assembly of The Jewish Federations of North America in Washington that he salutes the American soldiers. Netanyahu also thanked president Obama for his lasting support of Israel's defense.
The first stage of the exercise included field training, in which different units practiced cooperation during several scenarios throughout Israel.
The second stage focused on operational training of air defense systems, and the third stage, which was concluded recently, included a joint-team firing range of patriot missiles.
Barak and Gates in Washington (Photo: Defense Ministry)
The drill did not test defense systems that have yet to be declared operational, such as "Iron dome", but did simulate situations such as rocket fire from different types of missiles.
Commanders from both forces expressed satisfaction with the exercise's results, saying it allowed its participants to learn from each other's expertise and experience.
Brigadier-General Gavish said that the exercise combined the active defense system with world-leading weapons systems, calling the drill "successful."
Leading the US taskforce, Rear Admiral John M. Richardson said the exercise yielded great results, adding that important lessons were made.
Richardson thanked the people of Israel, and especially the IDF, for their hospitality and cooperation.
Meanwhile in Washington, Defense Minister Ehud Barak met on Monday with his American counterpart Robert Gates, and thanked him for the support and cooperation in advancing the multi-layered defense systems against rockets and long-range missile threats.
