State-of-the-art Israeli naval vessels are expanding their operational capabilities as regional threats mount.
By United with Israel Staff
For the first time ever, Israeli warships launched a refueling exercise involving a U.S. tanker in the Red Sea.
The maneuver was completed during a joint naval drill this week during which Israeli missile boats coordinated drills with American vessels. The exercises improved the Israeli Navy’s “operational range and abilities,” said the IDF in an official statement.
“The ‘Intrinsic Defender’ exercise expands the range and operational capacities of the Israeli Navy. Cooperation with the US Fifth Fleet helps us to improve and refine ourselves,” said Chief of the Israeli Navy, Maj. Gen. David Sa’ar Salama.
“This exercise is an important and significant step for our strategic stability in the maritime arena,” he added.
Among the exercises undertaken were combat simulations at sea, naval firing drills, and sabotage neutralization.
The drills also included a search-and-rescue component and medical aid exercises.
Intrinsic Defender follows a November 2021 exercise during which the Israeli Navy drilled with its Gulf state allies, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
With Iran threatening the region using a host of terror proxies and its rapidly accelerating nuclear program, Israel and its Arab allies are increasing defense cooperation.