Eight different countries took part in the Israel-led war games, with forces from the US, India, Greece, Poland, France, Italy and Germany all sending troops and aircraft.
A ninth state is also taking part in the two week-long drills but was not identified by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF).
The ‘Blue Flag’ exercise was described by the IDF as the “largest international aerial training exercise in Israel’s history”.
They said it was a “significant quantum leap” forward in Israel’s military capability.
IDF said in a statement said: “The goal of the Blue Flag training exercise is to simulate extreme combat scenarios and coalition flights as realistically as possible.
“The exercise will host air forces from the United States of America, Poland, Italy and Greece – and for the first time India, France and Germany will participate as well.”
Lieutenant Colonel Nadav, Commander of the 133rd Squadron, hailed the drills as a huge step forward for Israel’s military.
He said: “The Blue Flag exercise is a significant quantum leap in our ability to hold an exercise and provide our multi-national participants with a quality training experience as performed in Israel.
“This is a significant milestone in our relationship with the international air forces, some of which are arriving in Israel to train for the first time. This exercise will allow us to continue cooperating with these forces in the future as well.”
Hundreds of military personnel and a huge number of aircraft will take part in the drills, held in Uvda in southern Israel.
The IDF said Israeli squadrons of F-15, F-16I and F-16C/D jets will be used, alongside transport aircraft, helicopters and unmanned drones.
Greece, Poland and the US will drill using their own F-16s, France will use 2000D fighter jets, Germany will use Eurofighter Typhoon jets, Italy will use multirole fighters and India will use C-130Js.
Israel also said “electronic warfare” will be used during the drills although did not expand upon this.
And Israel said the war games will actually help strengthen peace in the region.
The IDF said: “One of the more significant ways to improve international relationships and connect countries is to create military cooperation.
“The Israeli Air Force is Israel’s ‘display window,’ and the direct encounter between the air forces is an inseparable part of forming strong, continuous relationships with other countries, near or far.”
