Despite Israel's unwillingness to take a clear position in the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, the Israeli Navy
is currently participating in a joint exercise with NATO members in the Mediterranean, Noble Dina.
Strangers.
Navy exercise in Cyprus // Archive photo: IDF Spokesman
This year the exercise is slightly larger compared to previous years, and in addition to Israel and Cyprus, the United States, France and Greece are also members of NATO.
In light of the high tensions in Ukraine between Russia and the West, and especially NATO, Israel was debating whether to cancel its participation in order not to be perceived as taking sides in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the West, but after a discussion on the issue, Chief of Staff Lt. Col. Aviv Kochavi decided to participate. As planned.
Search and rescue scenarios
This year, they are participating in a force exercise from Squadron 3, which is the Navy's missile ship fleet, a submarine from Squadron 7 (Submarine Squadron) and more.
The purpose of the exercise, which as stated takes place every year, is to strengthen the cooperation between the participating fleets and to deepen the professional knowledge.
During the exercise, which will run until the end of the week, a campaign against submarines will be practiced, as well as search and rescue scenarios and a scenario simulating war between ships.
Israel, the United States and Greece usually participate in the exercise, and last year the navies of France and Cyprus participated for the first time. The United States participated last year only in planning the exercise, but at the last minute did not send troops to the exercise.
About two years ago the exercise was canceled due to an outbreak of the corona plague.
Chief of Staff Kochavi, Photo: Yossi Zeliger
Unlike previous years, this year the "bat" lineup does not participate in the exercise due to the serious accident that occurred at the beginning of the year.
Some of the bat helicopters have returned to flight in recent days after more than two months of grounding following the accident in which the late Lt. Col. Erez Shahanei and the late Major Chen Fogel were killed, but since this is a small formation, some of the helicopters have not yet returned to flight. A naval helicopter for the big exercise.
The IDF said: "The 'Noble Dina' exercise is an international naval exercise with the participation of the naval arm, together with the navies of the countries: Greece, France, Cyprus and the USA. Of the corresponding fleets. "
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