The Multinational Exercise “AEGEAN SEAL I/2023” took place from Sunday 15 to Thursday 26 October 2023 in the wider sea area of the southern Euboean Gulf. The said exercise was held within the framework of the international collaborations of the Hellenic Armed Forces, which have been planned and are being carried out based on the overall planning of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS).

“AEGEAN SEAL I/2023” is a LIVEX/INVITEX (Live Exercise/Invitation Exercise) exercise, organized and directed by the Underwater Demolition Command of the Fleet Headquarters, and aims to train and increase the operational capabilities of the participants in anti-mine operations.

According to a relevant announcement by the HNDGS, personnel from Germany, Estonia, the USA, Italy, and Poland also participated in the exercise. The Hellenic Armed Forces participated with personnel and assets, as below:

• The General Support Vessel ATLAS I
• 1 CH-47D helicopter
• 1 S-70 Helicopter of the Naval Aviation Command
• 2 Special Operations-Fast Transport Vessels
• 3 RIB-11-type (Naval Special Warfare Rigid Inflatable Boat) Special Operations Speedboats
• 7 AETOS Speed ​​Boats
• 1 Unconventional Warfare Unit of the Underwater Demolition Command
• 1 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (VSW)
• 1 Group of Snipers
• 1 Command and Control asset
• 1 Support asset.

During the exercise, complex operational scenarios were implemented with an emphasis on Naval Special Operations and specifically on the pre-landing operations of Very Shallow Water (VSW) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) / Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED), which contributed to advancing the level of operational readiness and combat capability as well as strengthening interoperability and the level of cooperation with friendly and allied countries.

Also read: HNDGS | Special Warfare Command Personnel participates in the “European Best Sniper Team Competition 2023” – VIDEO