The Israeli Defense Forces announced this morning that a surprise Air Force (IAF) exercise is underway.
According to a statement obtained by TV7, the drill was launched yesterday and will conclude on Wednesday.
The exercise, codenamed “Vered Hagalil” (meaning ‘rose of the Galilee’ in Hebrew) is “focused on improving the IAF’s readiness for combat in the northern arena,” “under the directive of the Commanding Officer of the Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin,” said the IDF statement.
The Israeli military alerted citizens that an “elevated level of IDF aircrafts, jets and helicopter traffic will be felt across the country,” and that “a number of explosions may be heard in northern Israel.”
“Vered Hagalil” will include simulated combat scenarios on Israel’s northern frontier, which borders Lebanon and Syria. All aspects of IAF activity will be tested, including the preservation of regional aerial superiority, reconnaissance and striking capabilities.
The IDF added that emphasis will also be placed on logistical operations, saying that “The exercise will examine the planning, control and execution processes of these missions, as well as end-to-end logistics and technological capabilities, with an emphasis on maintaining aerial freedom of action and full functional continuity.”