The Israeli Air Force is taking part in a joint exercise with the air forces of the United Arab Emirates and the United States, in Greece. Other nations also participating in the drill include Italy, the United Kingdom and Cyprus.

A number of IAF F-16 jet fighters are participating in Iniohos, an annual exercise that resembles a complex, multi-threat combat environment to maximize the operational readiness of an air force.

This is not the first time that the IAF has taken part in the exercise in Greece and the UAE’s participation was publicized, even though Israel does not have diplomatic relations with the UAE.

Open gallery view An Israeli air force F-16C takes off, at the Iniohos exercise, March 22, 2018. Credit: Babak Taghvaee

Open gallery view An Israeli air force F-16C in a joint exercise with UAE, March 22, 2018. Credit: Babak Taghvaee

Last November, when the air forces of eight countries took part in the international Blue Flag exercise at Uvda Air Base in southern Israel, the IAF said that despite the operational importance of the exercise, the real achievement was a diplomatic one.

As for the exercise in Greece, the same is probably true, but the IAF plans continue the tradition of participating in this exercise.