Israel praises joint drill with Pakistanis, Emiratis in US

JERUSALEM – The Israeli air force says a joint exercise last month in the United States with fighter pilots from Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates was “professional,” even though the countries do not share diplomatic ties with Israel.

Air force pilots from the U.S., Israel, Pakistan, the UAE and Spain participated in the Red Flag combat training exercise in Nevada in August.

Israel’s air force says it was the first time Israeli fighter pilots trained with Pakistani and Emirati pilots.

Maj. Gil of the Israeli air force, who gave only his first name according to military protocol, said Thursday that the exercises did not simulate any real world threats.

He says it was an “odd group,” but that Pakistani and Emirati pilots worked with Israeli pilots “in an utmost professional way.”