Iniochos 2025, Greece’s largest multinational air exercise, begins Monday at the Andravida air base in western Greece. This year, a record number of international allies and partners will join the exercise that will conclude on April 13.
The exercise will feature a vast array of Hellenic Air Force (HAF) aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, transport, and training aircraft, as well as air defense systems. The Hellenic Army and Navy will also play a crucial role, contributing to complex and realistic scenarios across Greece’s mainland and surrounding seas.
Nations participating in Iniochos 2025 in Greece
France (Mirage 2000)
India (SU-30)
Israel (G-550)
Italy (Tornado)
Montenegro (B-412)
Poland (F-16)
Qatar (F-15)
Slovenia (PC-9)
Spain (F-18)
UAE (Mirage 2000-9)
USA (F-16, KC-46, KC-135)
Additionally, Cyprus will provide support personnel, while Slovakia and Bahrain will send observers.
Air missions and goals of Iniochos
The Iniochos 2025 exercise is planned, executed, and analyzed by the HAF Fighter Weapons School to ensure top-tier training and operational standards. The exercise covers a full range of air missions, including:
- Offensive and Defensive Air Operations
- Strategic Air Missions
- Air Support for Ground and Naval Operations
- Reconnaissance Missions
- Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)
- Time-Sensitive Targeting (TST)
- Protection of High-Value Airborne Assets (HVAA)
For the first time, the newly established HAF Synthetic Training Squadron will integrate F-16 Tactical Simulators, bringing a virtual component to the exercise.
History of the air exercise
Iniochos is held annually in Greece, organized by the Hellenic Air Force. It’s one of the largest and most complex exercises in the region, involving air forces from various countries.
The primary goal of Iniochos is to enhance interoperability, cooperation, and readiness among participating nations through realistic training scenarios.
The exercise includes a wide range of mission profiles, such as air-to-air combat, air-to-ground missions, and joint operations involving different branches of the military.
It serves as a crucial platform for testing tactics, techniques, and procedures in a multinational environment, thereby strengthening military capabilities and relationships among allied nations.
The Iniochos exercise was first conducted in the late 1980s, as a tactical-level exercise, tailored to the contemporary necessity for training in combined air operations by the Hellenic Air Force Doctrine. Over the next years, the success of the exercise led to the decision to establish it as an annual event.
Greece strengthens air power with Rafale jets
The HAF has significantly strengthened its power recently with the purchase of French-made Rafale jets.
Greece initially ordered 18 Rafale fighters—12 used and 6 new. They came at a cost of 540 million euros and 530 million euros, respectively. Later, alongside the order for Belh@rra frigates, Greece decided to acquire six additional new Rafales, with the cost set at 1.070 billion euros.
Last summer, Greece finalized its intention to procure 20 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft by signing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) through a U.S. government Foreign Military Sale. The LOA also includes an option for 20 additional aircraft.
Related: First Female F-16 Pilot of the Hellenic Air Force ‘Proud’ to Defend Greece
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