http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/iaf-conducting-joint-exercise-with-greek-air-force-1.292497 The Israeli Air Force is holding a joint exercise this week with the Greek Air Force in the skies above the Aegean Sea.
The exercise, named "MINOAS 2010", is supposed to continue through the weekend.
According to Greek media reports, 10 IAF planes are participating in the exercise – five F-15I Rams and five F16I Sufas. These are the newest aircraft in the IAF fleet and are able to carry out long-range attack missions. An IAF refueling tanker is also reported to be taking part in the drill.
On the Greek side, 15 F16s are said to be participating.
The exercise includes practice for aerial battles, long-range missions and mid-air refueling. It is also expected that IAF CH-53 helicopters will arrive in Greece to train for rescuing pilots behind enemy lines.
The exercise is taking place at a Greek air base in Souda Bay, on the island of Crete.
The IAF has recently carried out numerous joint training exercises with different air forces in Europe and North America, in order to improve the capabilities of its pilots in long-distance bombing missions. The IAF is also training for aerial battles as well as for how to overcome various air defense systems.
The IDF spokesman's office confirmed the IAF's participation in the joint exercise with Greece and said that it was planned in advance on this year's training schedule