The IDF “Beyond the Horizon” Exercise has Commenced

The multi-branch, unique and first-of-its-kind exercise has begun in Cyprus.

Following three weeks of extensive training of the IDF’s large-scale month-long “Chariots of Fire” exercise, the final week of the exercise begins today and centers on the “Beyond the Horizon” exercise in Cyprus.

The exercise takes place in cooperation with the Cypriot National Guard and constitutes an important component in maintaining the readiness of the IDF for a variety of operational scenarios. Military cooperation between the two nations increases joint regional stability and reinforces the ability to face shared security challenges.

As part of the exercise, regular and reserve IDF personnel from multiple commands, branches and directorates will train simultaneously. Participating in the exercise are the 98th "Fire Formation" Division, IAF squadrons, as well as special forces units from the Israeli Navy and Israeli Ground Forces, including Shayetet 13, the “Yahalom” unit, the “Oketz” unit and soldiers from the Intelligence Directorate (J2) and the J6 and Cyber Defense Directorate.

The goal of the exercise is to improve the readiness of the IDF and the participating units' operational competence for missions deep within enemy territory. This will be done by combining and maximizing multi-branch capabilities as a form of assistance to the Ground Forces by using combat helicopters, performing emergency evacuations with IAF transport helicopters, directing and escorting forces using visual intelligence and facilitating the movement of logistics equipment through the heavy transport squadrons. The exercise will take place across a variety of terrains, including: wilderness, urban, rural and mountainous areas. The exercise will simulate extensive combat based on multi-branch cooperation, ranging from the General Staff to the tactical level.

The exercise, conducted by the Urban Warfare Training Center, is unique and the first of its kind. The exercise is an opportunity to realistically simulate adapting to unfamiliar territory and to train distant logistic abilities when faced with both emergency or unfamiliar events.

The "Beyond the Horizon" exercise is a significant event in the IDF’s training. The exercise enables the IDF to improve the readiness of its forces participating in the exercise while strengthening the cooperation and abilities at the tactical level. The exercise will conclude this coming Friday.