On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, as part of the exercise “INIOCHOS 2021”, the Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lieutenant General George Blioumis, visited the 116th Combat Wing at Araxos Air Base, where he was welcomed by the Commander of the Unit, Brigadier Panagiotis Georgakopoulos.

During his visit, the Chief participated in a night flight of two (2) F-16 Block 52+ Advanced aircraft with NVGs of the 336th Squadron, in an operation to protect targets against enemy Composite Air Operations (COMAO).

We remind you that, for the 5th consecutive year, the National Guard participates in the Multinational Joint Medium-scale Exercise “INIOCHOS”, which is held every year in Greece with the participation of means from airports of other countries. 

For this year the exercise, which commenced on the 12th and ends on the 22nd of April 2021 at the Andravida air base, will take place across Greece. 

In addition to Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, France, Israel, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Canada are participating in the exercise, while a number of other countries are participating with observers. The National Guard participates in the exercise with an AW-139 helicopter with its crew between April  17-22, 2021, and when distinguished visitors will attend the exercise, the National Guard General Staff (GEEF) will be represented by the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Demokritos Zervakis and the Chief of the Air Force.

The National Guard helicopter will participate in Search and Rescue operations (SAR – CSAR), Tactical Air Transport and cooperation with special forces for the execution of Special Operations.

Also read: Hellenic Air Force General Staff Chief flies in Rafale fighter jet – Photos