In the context of the operational training of the National Guard Units but also the international cooperation with other countries, the National Guard participates with a 15-member mission and an AW-139 helicopter in the Multinational Medium-Scale Exercise “INIOCHOS 2021”, which takes place from 19 to 23 April 2021 at Andravida Air Base.

The exercise “INIOCHOS 2021” is organized by the General Staff of the Hellenic Air Force and is carried out across the Athens FIR. Apart from Greece, Cyprus, the USA, the United Arab Emirates, France, Spain, Israel and Canada participate in it with military staff and air means, while Austria, Egypt, Jordan, Romania and Slovenia participate with observers.

The “INIOCHOS” Exercise began in the late 80s as a small-scale Air Exercise focusing on the conduct of Air and Joint Operations in accordance with the Basic Doctrine of the Airforce, the Joint Doctrine of Electronic Warfare of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS), as well as the then existing Plans. It was gradually established as an annual exercise. In 2020 the exercise was canceled due to measures to mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic.

The purpose of the exercise is realistic training in a multi-threat environment to enhance the interoperability and overall effectiveness of the participating forces, in conditions that meet the complex and multi-demanding operational environment.

The personnel of the National Guard Air Force Command participates in the exercise scenarios design, in cooperation with other participants. At the same time, it participates in a number of training Combat Search and Rescue missions, Tactical Air Transport and cooperation with Special Forces for the execution of special operations.

Also read: “INIOCHOS 2021” | The Chief of the Air Force on an F-16 night flight – Photos 

The Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Democritus Zervakis, accompanied by the Commander of the Air Force Command, Brigadier General Floridis Marios, was present on April 20, 2021 at the distinguished visitors (dv) day after an invitation by the Chief of Defence (CHOD), General Konstantinos Floros. The Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, was also present at the dv day where he also gave a speech. 

View the impressive photos from the exercise below: 

With information from: National Guard General Staff, HNDGS