BICOM

Israel’s Air Force planes are taking part in a prestigious US training exercise which began yesterday, alongside jets from both United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan.

Haaretz says that photographs have been taken in recent days of Israeli F-16 jets, Pakistani planes, plus a transport plane belonging to the UAE. Although the US has not disclosed which other forces are participating in the Red Flag exercise, various aviation publications say that crews from the UAE and Pakistan are involved. The Aviationist reported that Pakistani F-16s landed in Portugal last month, on their way to the US to participate in the drill.

The IDF confirmed earlier this month that an Israeli delegation is taking part in the Red Flag air-to-air combat exercise in Nevada.

A spokesman said: “Red Flag is a high quality and unique exercise. Once the IAF was invited to participate, it accepted.”

According to Haaretz, photos from the drill indicate that Israel has sent F-16 fighters from three separate squadrons. Israel’s Air Force is also thought to have deployed cargo planes, pilots and land crew.

Israel does not have official diplomatic relations with either Pakistan or the UAE. A WikiLeaks document suggested that covert contacts exist between Israeli and Pakistani security officials. Meanwhile, Israel recently opened a mission in Abu Dhabi out of the headquarters of the United Nations International Renewable Energy Agency, which is based there. Dore Gold, the director general of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, visited the UAE last year.

Red Flag is considered the US’s premier air-to-air combat training exercise by the US and an important opportunity to train with allied air forces. Last year was the first time that Israel had participated in the exercise since 2009. Israeli and Jordanian air forces are reported to have flown alongside each other.