Israeli exercises in Cyprus: Turkish F-16s against Israeli aircraft
Two Turkish F-16s followed on a short distance Israeli jet fighters in Cyprus. IAF’s aircraft participated for hours in an air superiority exercise in the southern part of the Nicosia FIR.
The Turkish aircraft were flying at the same height as the Israeli aircraft, but at a distance of 30 miles wanting to send a message that Turkey, even in the southern part of Nicosia FIR, will be present. The presence of the Turkish fighters alerted the Israeli side. However, the Israeli aircraft were not harassed by the Turkish F-16s and completed the exercise without any problem.
In this exercise, which lasted from morning until noon, a total of 16 Israeli fighter aircraft and flying tankers participated. As stated in the relevant NOTAM the exercise will be repeated at 27 and 28 October with alternative dates the 24th and 28th of October.
At the same time, six AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and two Sikorsky S-70 flew from the Ramon air base in Israel to Larnaca airport where they took part in refueling and landing exercises in pairs.
Israeli helicopters remained in the Cypriot airspace for 4.5 hours and as sources report the same exercise will be also repeated on Thursday, October 27. There are also plans for a joint exercise with the Cypriot gunship Mil Mi-35.
It is worth mentioning that in the afternoon two more Israeli helicopters Sikorsky S-70 landed at Larnaca Airport. These helicopters were not part of the morning exercise. They transferred Israeli officials who are responsible for the protection of Israeli President Shimon Peres, who will visit the island soon.
Sources:
defencenet.gr
defencenet.gr
onalert.gr
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