The Joint Search and Rescue exercise “AETOS” took place on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, according to the instructions of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff and following the planning and coordination of the Hellenic Airforce.

In the exercise, which was carried out in the wider area between Rhodes and Megisti, participated a helicopter, a missile boat, vessels of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Special Forces personnel as well as personnel and one helicopter of the Republic of Cyprus.

During the exercise, the readiness of the search and rescue system (S-R) within the area of ​​responsibility of our country was assessed in accordance with the international conventions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the national legislation and the relevant orders of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, the Hellenic Navy General Staff, the Hellenic Air Force and the Hellenic Coast Guard.

Also, the cooperation of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers (JRCC) of Greece and Cyprus, the coordination of the Search and Rescue actions and the promotion of flight safety among trainees were assessed, in accordance with the provisions of the International Civil Aviation Convention and the Procedures of International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) manual.

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