Israeli-US military exercise kicks off in Jerusalem

ISTANBUL

The USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy, in Haifa port, northern Israel, 18 October 2012. EPA photo

The United States and Israel have launched a military exercise to test missile defense shield systems in Jerusalem, Anatolia news agency has reported.

Some 3,000 U.S. and 7,000 Israeli soldiers are reportedly participating in the war games, which aim to test Israel's air defense systems. The operation will determine whether they can be controlled and coordinated by a single command center.

Israel will also test its Arrow 2 antiballistic, David’s Sling medium-range and Iron Dome short-range missiles against a potential attack.

The U.S. will test its patriot missile defense system AEGIS from the decks of Navy ships.

The military exercise, which will last three weeks, is being closely watched by regional neighbors.