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Israeli fighter jets, refueling planes hold massive drill aimed at Tehran

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moonstone_laura
Posts: 298
Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2019 2:09 pm

Israeli fighter jets, refueling planes hold massive drill aimed at Tehran

Post by moonstone_laura » Fri Jan 21, 2022 4:18 pm

From 'The Times of Israel' (okay, it's a bit speculative and based on unverified reports but still worth a read!):

Israeli fighter jets carried out a large drill over the Mediterranean that included practicing mid-air refueling, according to a report in a Saudi-run news outlet Thursday.

The unverified report in London-based Elaph described air maneuvers on Thursday by “an unusually large” contingent of F-15, F-16 and F-35 fighter craft, as well as Boeing mid-air refueling tankers, in what would likely be seen as a warning beacon to Iran amid Israeli threats to take military action in order to stop Tehran’s nuclear program.

Citing an unnamed Arab source, Elaph reported that the “wide” maneuver took place over the Mediterranean. Israeli defense officials, who rarely comment on foreign reports, could not be immediately reached.

The use of Israel’s aging mid-air refueling fleet would be the strongest indication that Israel is planning for an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, or would like to project to Tehran and the rest of the world that it is preparing.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/report-is ... at-tehran/

moonstone_laura
Posts: 298
Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2019 2:09 pm

Re: Israeli fighter jets, refueling planes hold massive drill aimed at Tehran

Post by moonstone_laura » Wed Feb 02, 2022 6:14 pm

Update:

A US official attended a classified Israel Air Force drill simulating a “massive attack” on Iran’s nuclear program that was held two weeks ago, according to a Tuesday report.

A US Air Force officer participated in the drill as an observer, Israel’s Kan public broadcaster said.

The drill involved dozens of jets and included various scenarios, including mid-air refueling, long-range strikes and responses to anti-aircraft missiles.

The unusual participation of a US official was touted by the report as evidence of a shift in the American approach to Iran’s nuclear program as negotiations for a nuclear deal have appeared to falter.

A US State Department official told reporters on Monday that the window of opportunity for reaching a potential nuclear deal with Iran was closing.

An unverified report last week said the drill was carried out over the Mediterranean and involved “an unusually large” contingent of F-15, F-16 and F-35 fighter craft, as well as Boeing mid-air refueling tankers.

The use of Israel’s aging mid-air refueling fleet would be a strong indication that Israel is planning for an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, or that it is seeking to project the image to Tehran and the rest of the world that it is preparing to do so.

Israel has reportedly approved a budget of some NIS 5 billion ($1.6 billion) to be used to prepare the military for a potential strike against Iran’s nuclear program.

It includes funds for various types of aircraft, intelligence-gathering drones and unique armaments needed for such an attack, which would have to target heavily fortified underground sites.

Because of the distance, carrying out an airstrike inside Iran and having enough fuel for the return trip would require Israeli planes to refuel in the sky or find a friendly airbase to land at.

A report in The New York Times last month, however, indicated that Israeli plans for a possible strike on Iran had been set back by delays in the delivery of eight new Boeing KC-47 supertankers, with consignment expected to take until late 2024 at least.

Current and former officials quoted in the report said Israeli military planners believe that any strike on Iran will likely require multiple sorties against some sites, such as the underground Fordo uranium enrichment facility, necessitating speedy refueling.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-offici ... an-report/

Precinct7
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Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2011 7:56 pm

Re: Israeli fighter jets, refueling planes hold massive drill aimed at Tehran

Post by Precinct7 » Wed Feb 02, 2022 9:42 pm

eight new Boeing KC-47 supertankers a.k.a. KC-46 !

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