Greece Air Forces Displays Support Israel During Joint Exercise With IDF

By FrumNews.com 

On Tuesday, the Israeli Air Force and the Hellenic (Greek) Air Force conducted a joint exercise in Greek skies. 

As part of the exercise, Boeing 707 refueling aircraft of the 120th Squadron (the Israeli Air Force refueling squadron) participated in the flights and refueled dozens of airborne Hellenic Air Force fighter jets. HAF participated with 56 F-16 aircraft. This exercise was held in the framework of a planned training program and as part of the regional cooperation between the two countries.

The joint exercise comes as Greek authorities have decided to deport nine foreign students from the United Kingdom and European Union member states.

For decades, Greece has been one of Israel’s closest allies in the region and stands in contrast with Greece’s regional rival, Turkey—which has deteriorated its relationship with Israel since the current Milchama started. 

The Israeli Air Force’s refueling exercise with Greece occurs several times a year on a regular basis. The training simulates an operational flight and long-range refueling of fighter jets, as for several hours, the fighter jets join and receive fuel to continue their missions.

The main mission of the 120th Squadron is to conduct long-range flights that allow the Israeli Air Force to be the “long arm” of the IDF. Aerial refueling is an important skill and is required in battle formation because the amount of fuel in fighter jets is suitable for relatively short-range missions. Refueling over the skies of Greece enables the air forces to strengthen their ability to conduct flights over various terrains and in different weather conditions.