July 10, 2023
Release Number 20230710-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command and the Israel Defense Forces conduct military exercise this week during Juniper Oak 23.3 in Israel.
This event tests collective U.S.-Israeli readiness and improves the interoperability of both forces through bilateral cyber incident response, while U.S. F-16’s, KC-10, and KC-46 aircraft support air-to-air refueling, and agile combat employment (offensive air) within Israel.
“Events like the Juniper Oak series demonstrate our commitment to strengthen military-to-military relations throughout the region,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command. “These exercises test our forces interoperability in multiple domains to bolster the kinds of firm partnerships we will lean on in times of crisis.”
The Juniper Oak 23.3 event demonstrates the U.S. commitment to Israel’s defense and enhances military readiness of the two partners. This event also demonstrates our full commitment to the security of the Middle East and ability to deter hostile acts against regional partners.
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