U.S. Arab Allies Join Rare Air Exercises with Israelis

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have joined Israeli and U.S. forces to participate in the ongoing multinational air exercise Iniochos 2025 at the Andravida Air Base, Greece.

Newsweek has reached out to the Hellenic Air Force, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and the governments of Qatar and the U.A.E. for comment. The IDF declined to comment.

Why It Matters

The participation of these countries together highlights a significant realignment in regional military cooperation. Amid escalating Middle East conflicts—with U.S. rhetoric rising against Iran and attacks on its Houthi allies in Yemen— the exercise signals strengthening security ties between Arab states and Israel.

What To Know

The United States is participating with F-16 fighters and KC-46 and KC-135 refueling aircraft. Israel has deployed a G-550 aircraft. The UAE is contributing with Mirage 2000-9 jets, and Qatar has sent F-15 fighters, according to the Hellenic Air Force (HAF).

The exercise, which runs from March 31 to April 11, 2025, includes a diverse array of air forces from allied and partner nations, including France, Italy, Spain and India.

Iniochos 2025 reportedly marked Qatar's first participation in this specific exercise alongside Israel. While both nations took part in the U.S.-hosted Red Flag exercise in 2016, their military cooperation has been limited due to historical tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Qatar has so far opposed normalization with Israel, unlike those such as the UAE and Bahrain which signed the Abraham Accords.

However, its recent participation could be seen as a de facto step toward cooperation. Qatar – which hosts a significant U.S. military presence – supports Palestinian factions but plays a mediating role between Israel and Hamas, alongside the U.S. and Egypt.

Israel is engaged in a prolonged military offensive against Hamas in Gaza with U.S. backing since the Islamist group attacked Israel in October 2023. Arab and Gulf states have criticized Israel over the humanitarian impact of the conflict, particularly the civilian casualties and destruction in Gaza.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel have previously engaged in several joint military exercises, reflecting their evolving defense cooperation, especially after signing the Abraham Accords in 2020.

The U.S. in March launched what it called a 'decisive' series of military strikes against Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. The Trump administration has worked to strengthen ties with Gulf allies, seen as key partners in the Middle East, by facilitating advanced weapons sales and increasing investments in the U.S.

What People Are Saying

UAE Ministry of Defense on Instagram, Sunday, translated from Arabic: "The Air Force and Air Defense of the United Arab Emirates have arrived in Greece to participate in the "Iniochos 2025" exercise, which is being held at Andravida Air Base. The event will begin on March 31 and continue until April 11. It is worth mentioning that the "Iniochos" exercise is an annual multinational air exercise aimed at enhancing strategic partnerships, exchanging expertise, and contributing to improving combat readiness by conducting various air operations in a realistic training environment."

Open Source Intelligence platform OSINTWarefare on X: "Qatar and Israel train side by side in Greece as Qatar participated in the multinational air exercise Iniochos 2025 with F-15s, alongside Israel and at least ten other countries, including Bahrain (F-16) and the UAE (Mirage 2000/9)... Now, Qatari and Israeli air forces are training together, attending joint briefings, and cooperating in simulated missions."

What Happens Next

This growing military cooperation, despite past tensions, could lead to more formal alliances and reflect a broader shift toward rapprochement between Arab states and Israel.

Updated on 04/01/25 at 11:28 a.m. ET with IDF declined to comment