NATO Mediterranean Naval Exercise Draws Global Observers, Including Morocco

The Israeli air and naval forces will participate in this major annual NATO exercise in Greece alongside the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Cyprus, Slovenia and Austria. Observers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, India, Kuwait and five European countries will also be present during the exercise.

Due to the current tense situation between Russia and the Western powers, and in particular NATO, Israel had considered canceling its participation, in order not to be perceived as taking sides in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. But after a discussion on the matter, the IDF Chief of Staff, Aviv Kochavi, decided to participate. The Hebrew state will send F-16 fighter jets, Boeing 707 refueling aircraft, Gulfstream G550 surveillance aircraft, Shayetet 3 missile warships and Shayetet 7 submarines.

The lessons learned from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will be implemented during the exercise, reports the Israeli channel Channel 12. For the European participants of "Noble Dina", the exercise "is a signal to Putin that these countries are working together to defend their sovereignty."