For the first time in history, Israel’s Navy will participate in this summer’s Rim of the Pacific naval drill.
By: United with Israel Staff
Israel’s Navy receive its first invitation from the US Navy to participate in this summer’s Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercise in Hawaii.
The US Navy announced on Wednesday that 27 nations, 47 surface ships, five submarines, 18 national land forces, and more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in the RIMPAC being held June, the American military newspaper Stars and Stripes reported.
The other countries participating in RIMPAC are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga and the United Kingdom.
Israel is the only representative from the Middle East.
Established in 1971, RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise. RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans.
RIMPAC is held biennially during June and July of even-numbered years from Honolulu, Hawaii. It is hosted and administered by the United States Navy’s Pacific Fleet.
The US invites military forces from the Pacific Rim and beyond to participate.
Israel routinely collaborates with other armed forces from around the world, connecting with important allies and strengthening global security in general.
Last month, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) hosted an international three-day conference during which representatives from more than 20 air forces came together to discuss international cooperation and regional stability.
In April, Israeli “Re’em” (Boeing 707) aircraft participated in the US Air Force’s banner training exercise, Red Flag 2018, held in Alaska. In November 2017, Israel’s Uvda Air Force Base hosted the Blue Flag international training exercise. In March, the IDF held its largest international training exercise yet, Juniper Cobra 2018. During the same month, an Israeli delegation of “Shimshon” (C-130J) aircraft participated in a combined training exercise in India.
The IAF also routinely holds combined training exercises with the Greek and Cypriot air forces.