The Israeli Air Force (IAF) will take part in various aerial exercises in the US and Europe in the coming months to train its pilots for long-range flights.

In July 2009 the IAF’s F-16C fighter jets will participate in a Red Flag exercise at a US Air Force base in Nevada.

Israel will send C-130 Hercules aircraft to take part in Air Mobility RODEO 2009 competition at US McChord Air Force Base in Washington.

IAF also plans to participate in joint aerial exercises with a Nato member state in 2009.

The overseas exercises would be used to drill long-range manoeuvres.

Israel’s participation in these exercises is in response to the Iranian nuclear threat.