CENTCOM and Israel Defense Forces Conduct Exercise Juniper Oak 23.2

TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Central Command and the Israel Defense Forces begin Exercise Juniper Oak 23.2 in Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

This exercise strengthens collective U.S.-Israeli readiness and improves the interoperability of both forces, thereby contributing to regional stability. Exercises like Juniper Oak show that interoperability and integration represent the improved security in the region.

“Consistent with CENTCOM’s strategic approach of People, Partners, and Innovation, we are committed to strengthening military-to-military relations throughout the region,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM. “Juniper Oak is a Combined Joint All-Domain exercise which improves our interoperability on land, in the air, at sea, in space, and in cyberspace with our partners, enhances our ability to respond to contingencies, and underscores our commitment to the Middle East.”

Juniper Oak 23.2 integrates many military assets and missions, including:

Assets Missions
Strategic bombers U.S. and Israeli command and control
Fighter aircraft Air operations in maritime surface warfare
Rescue aircraft Combat search and rescue
Refueling aircraft Electronic attack
Naval forces Suppression of enemy air defenses
Ground long-range precision fires Strike coordination and reconnaissance
Air long-range precision fires Air interdiction
Rotary wing aircraft  
Space Force assets  
Special Operations Forces  
Infantry forces  

This exercise will include a large-scale live fire event with over 140 aircraft including B52s, F35s, F15s, F16s,   FA-18s, AC-130, AH64s, 12 naval vessels, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, and Multiple Launch Rocket Systems.

“These kinds of exercises – which CENTCOM routinely conducts with our partners – develop interoperability between military forces, increase military capabilities, and are important to the security and stability of the region. The lessons learned during these exercises are exportable to our partners across the region,” Kurilla concluded.