The sources said the exercises focused on targeting and destroying ground targets in areas that contain advanced air defense systems.

"The most realistic scenario envisions a brief window of opportunity to target and destroy a high-value target," a military source said.

The exercises have also recreated scenarios of Israeli fighter-jets under threat from enemy air forces. Under these scenarios, Israeli F-15 and F-16 pilots would be required to maneuver between air defense systems and enemy interceptors.

In August, the air force held a competition titled Skewer," in which two combat squadrons recreated a war scenario. Several squadrons participated in a competition in which a four-jet formation was directed to target and destroy ground targets without being harmed by air defense or enemy aircraft. Squadron 105, which flies the F-16C/D multi-role fighter won the competition.

The live-fire competitions were meant to augment air force exercises to enhance skills of pilots and navigators to conduct long-range strikes. The exercises were also designed to increase interoperability between F-15 and F-16 aircraft.