IAF Joins Multinational Air Exercise 'INIOCHOS-25' in Greece.
International
In March 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) took part in the 12-day biennial multinational air exercise INIOCHOS-25, conducted from March 31 to April 11, 2025, at Andravida Air Base, Greece. Hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, the exercise was held in the historic region of Elis.
- This biennial exercise serves as a platform to enhance skills in planning and executing Combined Air Operations, refine tactics in complex air warfare scenarios, and facilitate the exchange of operational best practices.
- The INIOCHOS exercise, meaning "charioteer" in ancient Greek, is an annual multinational air training event with air and ground assets from 15 nations. It started as a small tactical drill in the 1980s and has become one of Europe’s most realistic air combat training platforms.
- The exercise sharpens combat skills, fosters tactical knowledge exchange, and strengthens military ties. The previous edition was held in Greece from April 8 to April 18, 2024.
Main Point :- (i) The IAF participated in INIOCHOS-25 with Su-30 MKI fighter jets, IL-78, and C-17 combat support aircraft, enhancing its operational preparedness and strengthening India's strategic ties with friendly nations. The exercise features the largest number of fighter jets and helicopters from various countries, including France, Israel, Italy, Poland, Qatar, Spain, UAE, and the USA.
(ii) INIOCHOS-25 is divided into three phases: Phase 1 (March 24-30, 2025) involved the deployment of forces, Phase 2 (March 31-April 11, 2025) is the main exercise where air operations take place, and Phase 3 (April 11-13, 2025) focuses on redeployment.
(iii) During the main phase, participating air forces will conduct various air operations, including Offensive and Defensive Counter Air Operations, Strategic Air Operations, Air Support for land and maritime missions, Reconnaissance, Combat Search and Rescue, Time-Sensitive Targeting, and protection of high-value airborne assets.
About Greece
Prime Minister(PM) : Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Capital : Athens
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