From Monday 25 to Friday 29 September 2023, the Hellenic Armed Forces participated in the Special Forces – Special Operations Forces Exercise “BALKAN SPIRIT – 23” held in Romania.

According to a relevant announcement, the exercise is part of the overall planning of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS) regarding the cooperation of the Hellenic Armed Forces with friendly and allied countries of the Balkan Peninsula in Special Operations. The exercise contributed to strengthening the existing military cooperation and increasing the interoperability and operational capabilities of the Special Forces – Special Operations Forces of the participating countries in countering modern forms of threats in the sensitive geopolitical environment of the Balkans.

“BALKAN SPIRIT – 23” is a LIVEX/FTX exercise (Live Exercise/Field Training Exercise). The following activities were carried out:

• Airborne and Airborne Operations;
• Close Quarter Combat (CQC);
• Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC).

Personnel from Bulgaria and Romania also participated in the exercise. The Hellenic Armed Forces participated with 1 Special Operations Task Unit (SOTU) with personnel from the 5th Special Forces Squadron of the Special Warfare Command of HNDGS and the Paratroopers School of the Special Forces Directorate of the Hellenic Army General Staff.

The Greek participation in “BALKAN SPIRIT – 23” proves the active role of our country in the wider Balkan region, giving the opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of the Hellenic Armed Forces in cooperation with corresponding Balkan countries, with the common goal of contributing to maintaining security and stability.

Also read: HNDGS | The Hellenic Armed Forces participate in exercise “GREEN BRIDGE 2023” – Photos