Editing Israel Defense Forces (section)

==Foreign military relations==

===France===
Starting on 14 May 1948 (5 Iyar 5708), when Israel became a sovereign state, a strong military, commercial and political relationship was established between France and Israel, which lasted until 1969. Between 1956 and 1966, the two countries had the highest level of military collaboration.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Bomb in the Basement: How Israel Went Nuclear and What That Means for the World |last1=Karpin |first1=Michael |publisher=Simon & Schuster |date=2007 |isbn=978-0-7432-6595-9}}</ref>

===United States===
{{Main|Israel–United States military relations}}
[[File:Gen. Martin E. Dempsey meets with Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz.jpg|thumb|Former IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz (right) meets with [[Martin Dempsey]] (left), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.]]
[[File:US Navy 050415-M-9114Y-008 Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (special operations capable) along Israeli Defense Force soldiers fast rope from a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter.jpg|thumb|Israeli soldiers training alongside the [[26th Marine Expeditionary Unit]] on the [[USS Kearsarge (LHD-3)|USS ''Kearsarge'']]]]

In 1983, the United States and Israel established a [[Joint Political Military Group]], which convenes twice a year. Both the U.S. and Israel participate in joint military planning and combined exercises and have collaborated on military research and weapons development. Additionally the [[Military of the United States|U.S. military]] maintains two classified, pre-positioned [[War Reserve Stock]]s in Israel valued at $493&nbsp;million.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}} Israel has the official distinction of being an American [[Major non-NATO ally]].
Since 1976, Israel had been the largest annual recipient of U.S. foreign assistance. In 2009, Israel received $2.55&nbsp;billion in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grants from the Department of Defense.<ref name="fas2006-10"/> All but 26% of this military aid is for the purchase of military hardware from American companies only.<ref name="fas2006-10">{{cite web|first=Jeremy M. |last=Sharp |title=CRS report for Congress: U.S. foreign aid to Israel |publisher=[[Federation of American Scientists]] |date=4 December 2009 |access-date=8 June 2010 |url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL33222.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731092044/http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL33222.pdf |archive-date=31 July 2015 }}</ref>

In October 2012, the United States and Israel began their biggest joint air and missile defence exercise, known as [[2012 US-Israel military exercise|Austere Challenge 12]], involving around 3,500 U.S. troops in the region along with 1,000 IDF personnel.<ref>[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/10/2012102195738284839.html US and Israel launch joint military drill] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208205129/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/10/2012102195738284839.html |date=8 February 2015 }}, Al Jazeera 21 October 2012</ref> Germany and Britain also participated.<ref>{{cite web|last=Capaccio |first=Tony |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-10-15/u-dot-s-dot-israeli-military-exercise-sending-message-to-iran |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017063145/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-10-15/u-dot-s-dot-israeli-military-exercise-sending-message-to-iran |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 October 2012 |title=U.S.-Israeli Military Exercise Sending Message to Iran |work=BusinessWeek |date=15 October 2012 |access-date=20 July 2013}}</ref>

Since mid-2017, the United States has operated an anti-missile system in the [[Negev]] region of Southern Israel, which is manned by 120 US Army personnel. It is a facility used by the U.S. inside a larger [[Mashabei Sadeh|Mashabim]] Israeli Air Force base.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/in-first-us-establishes-permanent-military-base-in-israel/|title=In first, US establishes permanent military base in Israel|last=Gross|first=Judah Ari|website=www.timesofisrael.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-21|archive-date=10 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510023119/http://www.timesofisrael.com/in-first-us-establishes-permanent-military-base-in-israel/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===India===
{{Further|India–Israel relations}}
India and Israel enjoy strong military and strategic ties.<ref>{{cite web |author=Riedel, Bruce |url=http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2008/0321_india_riedel.aspx |title=Israel & India: New Allies |publisher=Brookings.edu |date=21 March 2008 |access-date=1 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608082333/http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2008/0321_india_riedel.aspx |archive-date=8 June 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Israeli authorities consider Indian citizens to be the most pro-Israel people in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ynet.co.il/english/articles/0,7340,L-3696887,00.html |title=ynet article |publisher=ynet article |date=20 June 1995 |access-date=1 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120919150737/http://www.ynet.co.il/english/articles/0,7340,L-3696887,00.html |archive-date=19 September 2012 }}</ref><ref>[http://netwmd.com/blog/2009/04/22/3955 netwmd article] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100627171901/http://netwmd.com/blog/2009/04/22/3955 |date=27 June 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=140suffolk |url=http://digg.com/world_news/India_the_Most_Pro_Israel_Country |title=digg article |publisher=digg article |date=21 April 2009 |access-date=1 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722141449/http://digg.com/world_news/India_the_Most_Pro_Israel_Country |archive-date=22 July 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://dover.idf.il/NR/exeres/D9D64F57-94C0-44F3-AE59-6A9C3E2E49BA.htm |title=A Little Piece of New Delhi in Haifa |publisher=Dover.idf.il |access-date=1 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515003327/http://dover.idf.il/NR/exeres/D9D64F57-94C0-44F3-AE59-6A9C3E2E49BA.htm |archive-date=15 May 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="JINSA01">{{cite web|url=http://www.jinsa.org/articles/articles.html/function/view/categoryid/1948/documentid/1971/history/3%2C2360%2C1947%2C1948%2C1971 |title=India and Israel Forge a Solid Strategic Alliance |access-date=7 November 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061107084915/http://www.jinsa.org/articles/articles.html/function/view/categoryid/1948/documentid/1971/history/3%2C2360%2C1947%2C1948%2C1971 |archive-date=7 November 2006 }} by Martin Sherman, The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs</ref> Apart from being Israel's second-largest economic partner in Asia,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ficci.com/international/countries/israel/israel-commercialrelations.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103015020/http://www.ficci.com/international/countries/israel/israel-commercialrelations.htm |archive-date=3 January 2007 |title=India-Israel Economic and Commercial Relations |publisher=Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry |access-date=9 June 2010}}</ref> India is also the largest customer of Israeli arms in the world.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/16/stories/2009021658931100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221053507/http://hindu.com/2009/02/16/stories/2009021658931100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 February 2009 |title=Israel largest defence supplier to India: report |date=16 February 2009 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=1 June 2010}}</ref> In 2006, annual military sales between India and Israel stood at US$900&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3310835,00.html |title=Israel arms sales to India top USD 900 million a year |publisher=Yedioth Internet |date=4 October 2006 |access-date=9 June 2010 |archive-date=13 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513093131/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3310835,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Israeli defense firms had the largest exhibition at the 2009 [[Aero India]] show, during which Israel offered several state-of-the art weapons to India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/osd_story.php?i=3944502 |title=Israeli Exhibit Among Largest at Show |publisher=Defensenews.com |access-date=1 June 2010 }}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

The first major military deal between the two countries was the sale of Israeli [[EL/M-2075|Phalcon]] [[Airborne early warning and control|airborne warning and control system]] (AWACS) radars to the [[Indian Air Force]] in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://in.rediff.com/news/2004/mar/05phal.htm |title=India, Israel ink the Phalcon deal |publisher=In.rediff.com |date=6 March 2004 |access-date=1 June 2010 |archive-date=1 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501002120/http://in.rediff.com/news/2004/mar/05phal.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/International/India-to-finally-receive-Phalcon-AWACS|title=India to finally receive Phalcon AWACS – World News – Jerusalem Post|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post &#124; Jpost.com|access-date=30 May 2019|archive-date=30 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530033741/https://www.jpost.com/International/India-to-finally-receive-Phalcon-AWACS|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2009, India and Israel signed a US$1.4&nbsp;billion deal under which Israel would sell India an advanced air-defense system.<ref>{{cite web |author=PTI Date: 27 March 2009 Place: Jerusalem |url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/mar/270309-India-Israel-sign-deal-on-air-defence-system.htm |title=India, Israel sign $1.4 bn deal on air defence system |publisher=Mid-day.com |date=27 March 2009 |access-date=1 June 2010 |archive-date=20 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090820090853/http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/mar/270309-India-Israel-sign-deal-on-air-defence-system.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> India and Israel have also embarked on extensive space cooperation. In 2008, India's [[ISRO]] launched Israel's most technologically advanced [[spy satellite]] [[TecSAR]].<ref name="jpost-tecsar">{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Spy-satellite-launched-from-India|title=Spy satellite launched from India|author=Katz, Yaakov|work=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=January 21, 2008|access-date=August 21, 2018|archive-date=21 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821191903/https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Spy-satellite-launched-from-India|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009, India reportedly developed a high-tech spy satellite [[RISAT-2]] with significant assistance from Israel.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/03/21/india.satellite/index.html?iref=mpstoryview |title=India to launch Israel-backed satellite |publisher=CNN |date=21 March 2009 |access-date=1 June 2010 |archive-date=23 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623221917/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/03/21/india.satellite/index.html?iref=mpstoryview |url-status=live }}</ref> The satellite was successfully launched by India in April 2009.<ref>{{cite web |author=IANS |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ISRO-launches-spy-satellite-RISAT-2/articleshow/4422951.cms |title=Spy satellite RISAT takes off from Sriharikota |work=The Times of India |date=20 April 2009 |access-date=10 June 2010 |archive-date=23 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423075323/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ISRO-launches-spy-satellite-RISAT-2/articleshow/4422951.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

According to a Los Angeles Times news story, the [[2008 Mumbai attacks]] were an attack on the growing India-Israel partnership. It quotes retired Indian Vice Admiral Premvir S. Das thus "Their aim was to... tell the Indians clearly that your growing linkage with Israel is not what you should be doing..."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-india-israel1-2009feb01,0,4924558.story |title=Some see Mumbai terrorism as an attack on India–Israel ties |work=Los Angeles Times |date=1 February 2009 |access-date=1 June 2010 |first=Peter |last=Spiegel |archive-date=8 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090308123450/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-india-israel1-2009feb01,0,4924558.story |url-status=live }}</ref> In the past, India and Israel have held numerous joint anti-terror training exercises<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/india-israel-likely-to-hold-joint-antiterror-training-exercises/360288/ |title=India, Israel likely to hold joint anti-terror training exercises |work=The Indian Express |date=12 September 2008 |access-date=28 March 2009 |archive-date=16 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916111458/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/India-Israel-likely-to-hold-joint-antiterror-training-exercises/360288/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Germany===
{{Further|Germany–Israel relations}}
[[File:I.n.s. dolfin-03.JPG|thumb|A German-made [[Dolphin class submarine]]]]
Germany developed the [[Dolphin-class submarine|Dolphin submarine]] and supplied it to Israel. Two submarines were donated by Germany.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/germany-may-sell-2-more-dolphin-subs-to-israel-for-117b-01528/ |title=Defense Industry Daily |publisher=Defense Industry Daily |date=15 July 2013 |access-date=20 July 2013 |archive-date=22 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722151432/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/germany-may-sell-2-more-dolphin-subs-to-israel-for-117b-01528/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The military co-operation has been discreet but mutually profitable: [[Israeli intelligence]], for example, sent captured [[Warsaw Pact]] armor to West Germany to be analyzed. The results aided the German development of an [[Anti-tank warfare|anti-tank system]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article3564572.ece |title=Israel welcomes new Germany to a celebration of its 60th birthday |work=The Times |author=Roger Boyes |date=17 March 2008 |access-date=9 June 2010 |location=London |archive-date=29 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429092503/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article3564572.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref> Israel also trained members of [[GSG 9]], a German counter-terrorism and special operations unit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bundespolizei.de/DE/06Die-Bundespolizei/Organisation/BPOLP/GSG9/Berichte/40-jahre-gsg9.html |title=Bundespolizei – GSG 9 der Bundespolizei – 40 Jahre GSG 9 der Bundespolizei |access-date=8 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102085725/http://www.bundespolizei.de/DE/06Die-Bundespolizei/Organisation/BPOLP/GSG9/Berichte/40-jahre-gsg9.html |archive-date=2 November 2014 }}</ref> The Israeli [[Merkava|Merkava MK IV]] tank uses a German [[V12 engine]] produced under license.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Armour-and-Artillery-Upgrades/Israel-Military-Industries-120-mm-smoothbore-tank-gun-MG251-Israel.html |title=Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's &#124; IHS |publisher=Articles.janes.com |access-date=20 July 2013 |archive-date=16 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116084424/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Armour-and-Artillery-Upgrades/Israel-Military-Industries-120-mm-smoothbore-tank-gun-MG251-Israel.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2008, the website DefenseNews revealed that Germany and Israel had been jointly developing a nuclear warning system, Operation Bluebird.<ref name='israel_germany_nukes1'>{{cite news |last=Defense News Staff |title=Israel Seeks Missile-Sensing UAV |date=3 November 2008 |publisher=DefenseNews.com |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3800042 |work=Defense News |access-date=10 June 2010 }}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name='israel_germany_nukes2'>{{cite news |first=Yaakov |last=Lappin |title=Israel, Germany develop nuclear warning system |date=17 November 2008 |url=http://www.jpost.com/Home/Article.aspx?id=120776 |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=10 June 2010 |archive-date=29 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129230309/https://ssum-sec.casalemedia.com/usermatch?d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jpost.com%2F&s=184674&cb=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.indexww.com%2Fht%2Fhtw-pixel.gif%3F |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Israeli Sea Corps Soldiers.jpg|thumb|Sailors of the [[Israeli Navy]]]]

===United Kingdom===
{{Further|Israel–United Kingdom relations}}
The United Kingdom has supplied equipment and spare parts for [[Sa'ar 4.5-class missile boat]]s and [[F-4 Phantom]] fighter-bombers, components for small-calibre artillery ammunition and air-to-surface missiles, and engines for [[Elbit Hermes 450]] [[Unmanned aerial vehicle]]s. British arms sales to Israel mainly consist of light weaponry, and ammunition and components for helicopters, tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and combat aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/report-britain-places-embargo-on-arms-sales-to-israel-1.47870 |title=Report: Britain places an embargo on arms sales to Israel |work=Haaretz |location=Israel |date=13 April 2002 |access-date=10 June 2010 |archive-date=30 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100630163459/http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/report-britain-places-embargo-on-arms-sales-to-israel-1.47870 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=British MPs slam weapons exports to Israel|newspaper=ynetnews|date=30 March 2010|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3869789,00.html|access-date=27 June 2010|archive-date=14 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514043215/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3869789,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Russia===
{{further|Israel–Russia relations#Military collaboration}}
On 19 October 1999, the Defense Minister of China, General [[Chi Haotian]], after meeting with Syrian Defense Minister [[Mustafa Tlass]] in [[Damascus]], [[Syria]], to discuss expanding military ties between Syria and China, then flew directly to Israel and met with [[Ehud Barak]], the then Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Israel where they discussed military relations. Among the military arrangements was a $1&nbsp;billion Israeli–Russian sale of military aircraft to China, which were to be jointly produced by Russia and Israel.<ref>[http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/x238.html "China defense minister visits Israel".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530034200/http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/x238.html |date=30 May 2012 }} ''World Tribune''. Thursday, 21 October 1999</ref>

Russia has bought drones from Israel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/analysis-drone-deals-highlight-military-ties-between-israel-and-russia-24061368|title=ANALYSIS: Drone deals highlight military ties between Israel and Russia|work=Middle East Eye|access-date=24 March 2016|archive-date=7 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407093305/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/analysis-drone-deals-highlight-military-ties-between-israel-and-russia-24061368|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/israel-sells-drones-russia-spy-ukraine-border-2086673|title=Israel Sells Drones To Russia To Spy On Ukraine Border|author=Cristina Silva|work=International Business Times|date=8 September 2015|access-date=24 March 2016|archive-date=6 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406054327/http://www.ibtimes.com/israel-sells-drones-russia-spy-ukraine-border-2086673|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/business/israel-signs-400-million-deal-to-sell-spy-drones-to-russia-1.318972|title=Israel Signs $400 Million Deal to Sell Spy Drones to Russia|work=Haaretz.com|access-date=24 March 2016|archive-date=19 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219090458/http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/business/israel-signs-400-million-deal-to-sell-spy-drones-to-russia-1.318972|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Report-Russia-purchased-ten-Israeli-drones-415575|title=Report: Moscow purchased 10 Israeli drones|work=The Jerusalem Post - JPost.com|access-date=24 March 2016|archive-date=24 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324222015/http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Report-Russia-purchased-ten-Israeli-drones-415575|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/16/world/russia-drone-program/|title=Russia's resurgent drone program|first=Michael|last=Pearson|date=16 October 2015|work=CNN|access-date=24 March 2016|archive-date=29 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329182902/http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/16/world/russia-drone-program|url-status=live}}</ref>

===China===
{{Further|China–Israel relations}}
Israel is the second-largest foreign supplier of arms to the People's Republic of China, only after the [[Russian Federation]]. China has purchased a wide array of military hardware from Israel, including [[Unmanned aerial vehicle]]s and [[communications satellite]]s. China has become an extensive market for Israel's military industries and arms manufacturers, and trade with Israel has allowed it to obtain "dual-use" technology which the United States and [[European Union]] were reluctant to provide.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/FL21Ak01.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041224012926/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/FL21Ak01.html |url-status=unfit |archive-date=24 December 2004 |title=US up in arms over Sino-Israel ties |work=Asia Times Online |first=Sudha |last=Ramachandran |date=21 December 2004 |access-date=10 June 2010}}</ref> In 2010 [[Yair Golan]], head of [[Home Front Command|IDF Home Front Command]] visited China to strengthen military ties.<ref>{{cite web |last=Katz |first=Yaakov |url=http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=179117 |title=IDF strengthening ties with Chinese military |work=Jerusalem Post |date=22 June 2010 |access-date=4 July 2010 |archive-date=26 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626102614/http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=179117 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2012, [[Chief of General Staff (Israel)|IDF Chief of Staff]] [[Benny Gantz]] visited China for high-level talks with the Chinese defence establishment.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jpost.com/Features/FrontLines/Article.aspx?id=276460 |title=Security and Defense: The Chinese connection |newspaper=Jerusalem Post |author=Yaakov Katz |date=5 July 2012 |access-date=22 July 2012 |archive-date=22 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722151138/http://www.jpost.com/Features/FrontLines/Article.aspx?id=276460 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Cyprus===
{{Further|Cyprus–Israel relations}}
As closely neighbouring countries, Israel and Cyprus have enjoyed greatly improving diplomatic relations since 2010. During the [[Mount Carmel forest fire (2010)|Mount Carmel Forest Fire]], Cyprus dispatched two aviation assets to assist fire-fighting operations in Israel – the first time Cypriot Government aircraft were permitted to operate from Israeli airfields in a non-civil capacity.<ref>^ "Cyprus helps aid teams at huge forest fire". Famagusta-gazette.com. 15 July 2009. Retrieved 16 January 2012.</ref> Israel and Cyprus have closely cooperated in maritime activities relating to Gaza, since 2010, and have reportedly begun an extensive sharing program of regional intelligence to support mutual security concerns. In May 2012, it was widely reported that the Israeli Air Force had been granted unrestricted access to the Nicosia Flight Information Region of Cyprus and that Israeli aviation assets may have operated over the island itself.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shamah |first=David |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-plane-violates-turkish-cypriot-airspace/ |title=Turkey claims it chased Israeli jet out of Northern Cyprus |newspaper=The Times of Israel |date=17 May 2012 |access-date=20 July 2013 |archive-date=6 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606102722/http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-plane-violates-turkish-cypriot-airspace/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Greece===
{{Further|Greece–Israel relations}}
[[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Apache Helicopters Overlooking Greece.jpg|thumb|Two IAF [[Boeing AH-64 Apache|Apache AH-64D Longbows]] and one Greek AH-64A fly above the Greek countryside during a joint exercise, June 2011.]]
Since 2010, the Israeli and Greek air forces trained jointly in Greece, indicating a boost in ties due in large part to Israel's rift with Turkey.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11556442 Israel woos Greece after rift with Turkey] BBC, 16 October 2010</ref> Recent purchases include 100&nbsp;million euro deal between Greece and Israel for the purchase of [[Spice (guidance kit)|SPICE]] 1000 and SPICE 2000 pound bomb kits.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://defense-update.com/20110506_precision_attack.html|title=The High Cost of Precision Attack - Defense Update|date=6 May 2011}}</ref> In November 2011, the [[Israeli Air Force]] hosted Greece's [[Hellenic Air Force]] in a joint exercise at the [[Ovda Airport|Uvda base]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzweek.com/world/israel-to-host-massive-intl-air-combat-exercise-40633/|title=Israel to host massive int'l air combat exercise|date=3 January 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-greece-defence-idUSTRE67G50P20100817 | work=Reuters | title=Israel and Greece seek to expand military ties | date=2010-08-17}}</ref> Similar training was held in 2012 by the IAF in cooperation with the Hellenic Air Force in the [[Peloponnese]] and parts of southern Greece in a response to the need of the IAF training of pilots in unfamiliar areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-hosts-greek-air-force-for-joint-excercise-1.401009|title=Israel Hosts Greek Air Force for Joint Exercise|work=Haaretz|first=Anshel|last=Pfeffer|date=12 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.top-hotels-gr.com/en/defencegreece.html|title=Defence news from Greece and Cyprus|website=www.top-hotels-gr.com|accessdate=31 July 2024}}</ref> On March 14, 2013, the navies of Israel, Greece and the US held a two-week joint military exercise for the third year in a row. The annual operation is nicknamed Noble Dina and was established in 2011. Similar to Noble Dina in 2012, the exercise in 2013 included defending offshore natural gas platforms and simulated air-to-air combat and anti-submarine warfare.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-us-and-greece-begin-annual-naval-exercise/|title=Israel, US and Greece begin annual naval exercise|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/130307/israel-us-and-greece-launch-joint-naval-exercise |title=Israel, US and Greece launch joint naval exercise |work=GlobalPost |date=7 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512231400/http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/130307/israel-us-and-greece-launch-joint-naval-exercise|archive-date=12 May 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=305670|title=IDF begins joint naval exercise in Mediterranean|work=The Jerusalem Post - JPost.com|date=7 August 2010 }}</ref> In March 2017, Israel participated in the large-scale "Iniochus 2017" military exercise, which is organized annually by Greece, along with USA, Italy and the United Arab Emirates.<ref>{{cite web|title=Israel, UAE to fly together in Greek air force exercise |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-uae-to-fly-together-in-greek-air-force-exercise/ |work=The Times of Israel|date=27 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pilots from Greece, USA, Italy, Israel and the United Arab Emirates in the "Iniochus 2017" (Πιλότοι από την Ελλάδα, τις ΗΠΑ, την Ιταλία, το Ισραήλ και τα Ηνωμένα Αραβικά Εμιράτα στον "Ηνίοχο 2017") |date=28 March 2017 |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.gr/2017/03/28/eidhseis-diethnes-politikh-pilotoi-iniohos-2017_n_15659376.html |publisher=The Huffington Post Greece}}</ref>

===Turkey===
{{Further|Israel–Turkey relations}}
Israel has provided extensive military assistance to Turkey. Israel sold Turkey [[IAI Heron]] [[Unmanned aerial vehicle]]s, and modernized Turkey's [[F-4 Phantom]] and [[Northrop F-5]] aircraft at the cost of $900&nbsp;million. Turkey's [[main battle tank]] is the Israeli-made [[Sabra (tank)|Sabra]] tank, of which Turkey has 170. Israel later upgraded them for $500&nbsp;million. Israel has also supplied Turkey with Israeli-made missiles, and the two nations have engaged in naval cooperation. Turkey allowed Israeli pilots to practice long-range flying over mountainous terrain in Turkey's Konya firing range, while Israel trains Turkish pilots at Israel's computerized firing range at [[Nevatim Airbase]].<ref>Nechmani, 1988, p. 24.</ref><ref>Pipes, 1997, p. 34.</ref> Until 2009, the Turkish military was one of Israel's largest defence customers. Israel defence companies have sold unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range targeting pods.<ref>{{cite web |last=Katz |first=Yaakov |url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=235160 |title=Despite strained ties, IDF attache welcomed in Turkey |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=24 August 2011 |access-date=20 July 2013 |archive-date=17 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117112424/http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=235160 |url-status=live }}</ref>

However, relations have been strained in recent times. Since 2010 the Turkish military has declined to participate in the annual joint naval exercise with Israel and the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Israel, Greece Conduct Joint Naval Drill Amid Ongoing Tension With Turkey |url=https://www.haaretz.com/2012-04-01/ty-article/israel-greece-conduct-joint-naval-drill-amid-ongoing-tension-with-turkey/0000017f-e691-df2c-a1ff-fed1a2ad0000 |access-date=2024-02-28 |work=Haaretz |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 March 2017 |title=Israel to Stage Naval Drill with US, Greece |url=https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/28827 |website=Israel Defense}}</ref> The exercise, known as "Reliant Mermaid" was started in 1998 and included the Israeli, Turkish and American navies.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-08-04 |title=Turkey absent again from naval drills with Israel, US |url=https://www.jpost.com/defense/turkey-absent-again-from-naval-drills-with-israel-us |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en}}</ref> The objective of the exercise is to practice search-and-rescue operations and to familiarize each navy with international partners who also operate in the [[Mediterranean Sea]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Katz |first=Yaakov |url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=232401 |title=Turkey absent again from naval drills with Israel, US |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=9 July 2013 |access-date=20 July 2013 |archive-date=17 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117112322/http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=232401 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Azerbaijan===
{{Further|Azerbaijan–Israel relations}}
Azerbaijan and Israel have engaged in intense cooperation since 1992.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.az/articles/politics/30558 |title=interview with Norma Zager |publisher=News.az |access-date=20 July 2013 |archive-date=16 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116073136/http://www.news.az/articles/politics/30558 |url-status=live }}</ref> Israeli military have been a major provider of battlefield aviation, artillery, antitank, and anti-infantry weaponry to Azerbaijan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/templateC05.php?CID=2287 |title=Good Relations between Azerbaijan and Israel: A Model for Other Muslim States in Eurasia? |publisher=Washingtoninstitute.org |access-date=20 July 2013 |archive-date=21 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821072044/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/templateC05.php?CID=2287 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Jane's Defence Weekly, 16 October 1996</ref> In 2009, Israeli President [[Shimon Peres]] made a visit to Azerbaijan where military relations were expanded further, with the Israeli company [[Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd]] announcing it was going to build a factory in [[Baku]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Aeronautics to build plant in Azerbaijan |author=Ora Coren |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1096354.html |newspaper=Haaretz |date=29 June 2009 |access-date=5 March 2012 |archive-date=4 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004040420/http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1096354.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2012, Israel and Azerbaijan signed an agreement according to which state-run [[Israel Aerospace Industries]] would sell $1.6&nbsp;billion in drones and anti-aircraft and missile defense systems to Azerbaijan.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/industries/israel-signs-deal-to-provide-azerbaijan-with-16-billion-in-military-equipment/2012/02/26/gIQAjtmQbR_story.html Israel signs deal to provide Azerbaijan with $1.6 billion in military equipment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226224207/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/industries/israel-signs-deal-to-provide-azerbaijan-with-16-billion-in-military-equipment/2012/02/26/gIQAjtmQbR_story.html |date=26 February 2012 }}. ''The Washington Post''. 26 February 2012.</ref> In March 2012, the magazine ''[[Foreign Policy]]'' reported that the [[Israeli Air Force]] may be preparing to use the [[Sitalchay Military Airbase]], located {{convert|500|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the Iranian border, for air strikes against the [[nuclear program of Iran]],<ref name="FP 2012">{{cite news|last=Perry|first=mark|title=Israel's Secret Staging Ground|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/03/28/israel_s_secret_staging_ground?page=full|access-date=29 March 2012|newspaper=[[Foreign Policy]]|date=28 March 2012|archive-date=31 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331205424/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/03/28/israel_s_secret_staging_ground?page=full|url-status=live}}</ref> later backed up by other media.<ref>{{cite news |title=Azerbaijan eyes aiding Israel against Iran |author=Thomas Grove |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-israel-azerbaijan-idUSBRE88T05L20120930 |work=Reuters |date=30 September 2012 |access-date=1 July 2017 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924171023/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/30/us-iran-israel-azerbaijan-idUSBRE88T05L20120930 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Other countries===
Israel has also sold to or received supplies of military equipment from the [[Czech Republic]], [[Argentina]], [[Portugal]], [[Spain]], [[Slovakia]], [[Italy]], [[South Africa]], [[Canada]], [[Australia]], [[Poland]], [[Slovenia]], [[Romania]], [[Hungary]], [[Belgium]], [[Austria]], [[Serbia]], [[Montenegro]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]],<ref name=amnesty>{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/news/arms-embargo-vital-gaza-civilian-toll-mounts-20090115 |title=Arms embargo vital as Gaza civilian toll mounts |publisher=Amnesty.org |date=15 January 2009 |access-date=1 June 2010 |archive-date=8 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608181340/http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/news/arms-embargo-vital-gaza-civilian-toll-mounts-20090115 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]],<ref>[http://www.stratfor.com/sitrep/israel_georgia_israel_halt_arms_sales_georgia Israel, Georgia: Israel To Halt Arms Sales To Georgia] {{webarchive|url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20091010124713/http://www.stratfor.com/sitrep/israel_georgia_israel_halt_arms_sales_georgia |date=10 October 2009 }}. Stratfor. 5 August 2008.</ref> [[Vietnam]] and [[Colombia]],<ref>[http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/today/10/10/2503.htm Head of Defense Ministry Meets with Colombian President] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027074553/http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/today/10/10/2503.htm |date=27 October 2010 }}, IDF Spokesperson's Unit 25 October 2010</ref> among others.