IAF to participate in Hellenic (Greek) Air Force Military Exercise “INIOCHOS” for the first time

—According to exclusive information from Newpost, the Indian Air Force informed just a few weeks ago GEETHA and GEA that it wishes to participate in the large air exercise organized by the HAF and even intends to send five Su -30 MK to the 117th Fighter Wing in Andravida. The Indians’ request was immediately accepted given the very good relations between the two states on a political, diplomatic, and military level. It had been preceded by cooperation between the Chiefs of the General Directorate of Defense and Security, General Constantinos Floros, and Vice Admiral Themikstoklis Bourolias, and contacts with the Indian Staff.

—The IAF ‘s presence in the INIOCHOS 23 exercise – which will be held from April 24 to May 5 – is one of the few for India outside the country, and indeed with the most powerful fighter – along with the Rafale – at their disposal in their arsenal. It is characteristic that Su -30 MKs have gone outside India to participate twice in Red Flag in the USA, the world’s largest air exercise, while apart from the Americans, the Su -30 MKs have only co-trained outside the country with the French and the British.

—Touted as one of Europe’s largest military exercises, Iniochos 2023 as per HAF’s website will involve a large number of HAF assets, such as fighters, including RAFALE, Air Defence Systems, helicopters, transport, and training aircraft.

Additionally, Hellenic Army, Navy, and Special Operations assets and personnel will contribute significantly to the creation of complex and realistic scenarios across the exercise areas which spread over the Greek mainland and seas.

Furthermore, apart from India’s Su30MKI Iniochos 2023 will see the participation of air assets from countries like France, the US, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan among others whose details are:

Cyprus with an AW139 Helicopter

France with Rafales

Italy with Tornados

Jordan with F-16s

Saudi Arabia with F-15s

Slovenia with PC-9s

Spain with EF-18s

USA with MQ-9s

Additionally, Austria will participate with INTEL personnel and Canada with Air Battle Managers making it a major air exercise of Europe and the Mediterranean, capable to provide high-level training coupled with a unique geomorphological experience for the participating countries.