IDF Spokesperson: Announcing that the IDF's "Basalt Oaks" exercise with the US Army Central Command came to an end this evening (Thursday).
The exercise tested Israeli-American readiness and enhanced operational ties between the two militaries with the aim of improving the ability to deal with regional threats. The exercise simulated attacking targets and complex scenarios, incorporating joint communications, command and control systems.
This is the largest exercise ever held in collaboration with the US Army, in which approximately 6,500 commanders and soldiers from the US Army took part. The exercise showcased some of the most advanced capabilities of the armies and is the first in a series of exercises that will take place in 2023.
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The exercise began at a joint air and naval range of the two armies, with the participation of missile ships and combat helicopters, during which they carried out coordinated firing at targets simulating naval threats.
Subsequently, the air forces practiced various scenarios involving fighter jets, transport and aerial refueling aircraft, search and rescue helicopters, UAVs, reconnaissance aircraft, and heavy American B52 bombers that dropped live ammunition in the south of the country.
The Navy's missile ships and submarine conducted a naval maneuver with an American aircraft carrier and destroyers as a joint task force with defensive and offensive capabilities against a variety of threats. Saar 5 missile ships were also refueled at sea by an American tanker, expanding the IDF's operational ranges and areas in routine and emergency situations.
In addition, fighter jets and bombers were refueled by Israeli "RAM" tanker aircraft and heavy American KC46 tanker aircraft, the future IDF tanker aircraft.
The Israeli and American Air Forces practiced rescuing a downed aircraft in mountainous and complex terrain in the Golan Heights, where the Americans rescued an Israeli pilot.
The ground forces held a joint training exercise that included maneuvering and firing dozens of rockets, during which long-range rockets were launched from the American HIMARS system and from launchers in the Israeli Artillery Corps' rocket array.
The exercise concluded with an initial debriefing led by the Chief of the General Staff, Maj. Gen. Herzi Halevi, and the Commander of CENTCOM, Gen. Michael Kurila, which was conducted aboard an American aircraft carrier in the middle of the sea. The debriefing was also attended by commanders from the IDF General Staff Forum, the Deputy Commander of CENTCOM, the Commander of the Air Force in the US Central Command, and the Commander of the Fifth Fleet. The commanders reviewed the activities of the air, ground, and naval forces in the exercise and the joint training descriptions. In addition, many operational capabilities that were expressed in the exercise were presented.
From the Chief of the General Staff, Maj. Gen. Herzi Halevi: "Israel and the US share the same values, the IDF and CENTCOM see eye to eye on regional threats. The "Basalt Oaks" 2023 exercise increased the level of our integrated operational planning and execution. Israel knows how to defend itself, but it is always good when our best partner is with us so that we can learn from each other. This operational connection strengthens our ability to deal with a wide range of security challenges in the region. I would like to express my great appreciation to the CENTCOM commanders and soldiers who were with us here this week and especially to General Korila for a wonderful partnership. We were good, now we are better.".
From the words of CENTCOM Commander, General Michael Korila: "Our strategic partnerships in the region, which include our long-standing strong partnership with the IDF, are essential and critical to the regional security and stability offered through this level of partnership. Over the past five days, we have significantly improved our joint ability to respond to regional threats. The IDF possesses the most innovative weapons systems, operates at the highest level of professionalism, and has a first-class combat capability. The United States is committed to Israel's security and supports building the country's qualitative advantage.".
