U.S., Israel Kick Off Joint Exercise To Train Troops In Battling Missiles

The exercise, termed Juniper Cobra, will include simulations of various threats to Israel’s home front.

By Gili Cohen | May 18, 2014 | 11:57 AM

The Israeli and American armies will hold a biennial joint military exercise beginning Sunday, with a focus on training defense troops on dealing with missiles.

The exercise, termed Juniper Cobra, will include simulations of various threats to Israel’s home front. The American troops, who belong to the United States European Command, are required to come to Israel reinforce Israel’s anti-ballistic defense systems.

Some 700 American troops have arrived in Israel for Juniper Cobra, in which more than 6,000 European Command troops will be participating. Two American ships equipped with the Aegis Combat System, which includes technology used to intercept missiles, will also be participating in the exercise from the Mediterranean Sea.

Last week, American Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel visited Israel along with Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and toured the Hatzor Airbase, where he met with the American and Israeli soldiers who were to take part in Juniper Cobra.

more...

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.591253