On Friday 12 April 2024, the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Mr Ioannis Kefalogiannis attended the Day of Distinguished Guests of the Multinational Air Joint Exercise “INIOCHOS 24”, held at the 117 Combat Wing in Andravida.
The Day was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Citizen Protection Mr Andreas Nikolakopoulos, Chief/HNDGS General Dimitrios Choupis, Chief/HAGS Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, Chief/HNGS Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras HN, Chief/HAFGS Lieutenant General Dimosthenis Gregoriadis, H.E. the Ambassadors in Greece of Austria Ms Gerda Vogl, of France Mr Laurence Auer and of Germany Mr Andreas Kindl, representatives of foreign Diplomatic Missions, Defence Attachés, military delegations of foreign countries and representatives of the Local Self-Government.
The “Iniochos 24” exercise is conducted annually and performed in simulation of a multiple threat environment, aiming at the total increase of the operational readiness and combat capability of the participants.
The Air Force participates with all types of its fighter aircraft, including Rafale and F-16 aircraft and helicopters, transport and training aircraft.
Forces of the Army, the Navy and the Special Warfare Command also participate, which contribute decisively in the creation of complex and realistic scenarios throughout Greece.
In this year’s exercise, which is conducted throughout the Athens FIR, France, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Cyprus, Montenegro, Romania and Saudi Arabia participate with various types of assets and Air Force personnel, whereas Austria, Portugal and Germany with a group of observers participate with Information personnel and Special Forces. In fact, the participation of the Countries’ air forces in “INIOCHOS 24” exercise is the biggest so far, since the establishment of the exercise as INVITEX.
Upon conclusion of the activities, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr Ioannis Kefalogiannis made the following address (in Greek):
“Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished guests and personnel of the Armed Forces of Cyprus, France, Montenegro, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Spain, the United States of America and Greece.
I welcome you to Greece and Andravida Air Base, on the occasion of the Day of Distinguished Guests of the Multinational Joint Exercise “INIOCHOS 24”.
I am really happy with your presence here, in a very special, successful and valuable exercise for our Air Force. Without doubt, in our days, new challenges have emerged or reappear, setting threats for both our region and the security and stability of the wider region, shaping today’s fragile geopolitical environment. In this operational environment, exercises between allies and partners create the necessary conditions for the reinforcement of combat capabilities, the joint readiness, interoperability and the reinforcement of regional cooperation.
Greece constitutes a pillar of stability and a powerful supporter of peace and security, based on International Law and the good neighbouring conditions. Especially in this context, the Hellenic Armed Forces maintain a well-established military cooperation with allies and partners at bilateral and multilateral level. The numerous actions that we schedule every year confirm our constructive role reflecting the strategic position of our country in the wider region of the Mediterranean and the close cooperation, aiming at the safeguarding and protection of peace.
We have to be prepared and always ready to respond to the requirements of the times and of course to the prevention of dangerous conditions. Greece will keep on reinforcing its defence capabilities and upgrading its Armed Forces.
I would like to express my sincere congratulations to all participants in this outstanding exercise, as well as the organisers of today’s event. I would like to thank you all for your presence today and I hope to see you next year at INIOCHOS 25. For the participating personnel, I wish safe flights and productive training, utilising this unique opportunity of cooperation with top professionals of the world’s air elite.”