In an effort to strengthen its control over the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Israeli Navy conducted joint maneuvers this week with Greece, Cyprus and France engaging in anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue operations. The exercises were part of the annual Noble Dina trilateral exercise and included warships and helicopters. The Israeli Navy participated with Sa’ar 4.5 class missile frigates equipped with anti-submarine systems, as well as class 2 Dolphin submarines.
Naval vessels of the Noble Dina joint military training between Israel, Greece, Cyprus and France, March 12, 2021. (Credit: IDF SPEAKER UNIT)
War vessels participating in the Noble Dina military exercise between Israel, France, Cyprus and Greece, March 12, 2021. (Credit: IDF SPEAKER UNIT)The Greek Navy said that the main objectives of the exercise were to address modern challenges and threats in the marine environment and to promote the level of cooperation and mutual understanding of the three navies. The exercise took place in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Sea of Crete, in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. According to the IDF, while most of the exercise dealt with underwater warfare, other scenarios, such as rescue situations at sea and air defense, were also practiced. protect from the expansion of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) from 40 miles to 150 miles four years ago.
A submarine at the Noble Dina’s annual naval exercise for 2021, coordinated between Israel, Greece, Cyprus and France, March 12, 2021. (Credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)Israel regularly participates in military exercises with the United States and Greece. It was the first time that France participated in a naval exercise, which took place amid increased tension in the Mediterranean due to concerns about possible economic terrorism after the oil spill in late February, which Israeli officials linked to Iran. “These exercises are extremely important to strengthen the Israeli Navy’s relations with foreign navies of common interest, ”explained Rear Admiral Eyal Harel, head of Naval Operations.
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