The joint missile defense exercise being prepared by Israel and the United States for next week will involve a mock missile strike by Iran, United Press International reported Tuesday. Air-defense technology and 15 naval vessels have already been deployed by the U.S. to Israel for the Juniper Cobra drill which the two countries conduct every two years since 2000. The exercise help the two nations coordinate their missile and air-defense activities.
The exercise is expected to deliver a "loud and clear" message to Iran, Maariv quoted a high-level Israeli military officer as saying. The drill will be overseen by a senior U.S. Army general and three Patriot missile defense systems may remain in Israel following completion of the exercise.