Israel, Turkey resume air force cooperation

JERUSALEM (JWN)—The air forces of Israel and Turkey have reactivated procedures for coordination that avoid potential mishaps over the eastern Mediterranean, a senior Israel Air Force officer said Wednesday.

Friendly relations between the two forces were interrupted by the 2010 Turkish flotilla incident over Israel’s weapons blockade of Gaza. However, despite the breakdown in diplomatic ties the two forces maintained communication.

Another sign of improving relations came two weeks ago, when the Turkish military attaché attended an IAF briefing at the Uvda Air Force Base in the and observed IAF joint training maneuvers with fighters of the Italian Air Force.