The U.S. and Israel have begun Juniper Oak 2023, a large joint military exercise involving almost 150 aircraft, 12 naval vessels as well as missile and artillery systems from both nations. Reportedly aimed at sending a message to Iran and other potential adversaries, NBC quoted one unnamed official saying, “The scale of the exercise is relevant to a whole range of scenarios.” The exercise begins less than a week after Israel has sent a request to the U.S. to purchase the advanced F-15EX which would enhance its ability to strike Iran, according to The Times of Israel.
