Over the past few days, the engines of fighter jets have been roaring loudly at the Andravida air base in the western Peloponnese, with takeoffs and landings taking place non-stop, and aircraft flying across the entire Athens Flight Information Region (FIR).
On Monday, March 31, 2025, the multinational air exercise “Iniochos 2025” commenced and is scheduled to conclude on Friday, April 11, 2025, taking place at Andravida. Meanwhile, the majority of the Hellenic Air Force’s fighter jets are operating from the 116th Combat Wing. Notably, a Russian-made SU-30 aircraft bearing the insignia of the Indian Air Force is also participating in the drill.
All types of aerial missions are expected to be executed at an intense combat tempo, day and night, covering the full spectrum of modern air operations under a range of complex and highly realistic scenarios.
At the same time, missions using F-16 tactical simulators from the operational synthetic training squadron will be carried out, thus expanding the exercise into the digital domain. The Hellenic Air Force is participating with all its types of combat aircraft, along with transport helicopters and training aircraft. The Hellenic Army and Navy are also contributing decisively to the creation of complex and realistic scenarios across the entirety of Greek territory.
The Iniochos exercise includes participation not only from NATO allies but also from friendly countries. Participants include:
- France (Mirage 2000)
- USA (F-16, KC-46, KC-135)
- United Arab Emirates (Mirage 2000-9)
- India (SU-30)
- Spain (F/A-18 Hornet)
- Israel (Gulfstream G550)
- Italy (Tornado)
- Qatar (F-15)
- Montenegro (Bell 412)
- Poland (F-16)
- Slovenia (PC-9)
Cyprus is participating with support personnel, while Slovakia and Bahrain have sent observer teams. The most spectacular aspects of the exercise are expected to be the low-altitude flights by participating aircraft.
