HNIOCHOS 2018 /  INIOCHOS 2018 - Hellenic Air Force Base Andravida

Exercise Iniochos 2018, held between NATO allies and partner nations, took place from 12th till 23rd March 2018 at Andravida (LGAD), home of 338 MDV & 117 PM SMET / 117 PM and SOT / KEA, located in Peloponnese.

 

Approx. 60 aircraft from 7 nations performed flights during day and night time in the surrounding area of Athens FIR.

Multinational training engagements such as these strengthen relationships, maintain joint readiness and interoperability, and reassure regional allies and partners. Inichios 2018 was divided into three operational phases: P1: Preparation; P2: Force Deployment (time period 5th till 7th), P3: Execution Phase (time period 12th till 23rd). An international Media Day was held on the 20th March 2018. The exercise itself ended with the Hot Wash on the 23rd March 2018.

Mission:

During the exercise, complex aviation missions (land surface attacks, surface targets, enemy Air Defense and Survival and Rescue in a Combat Environment) were performed, aiming at enhancing the collaboration of the participants in a meaningful, effective and secure manner at a steady rhythm of battle.

In order to achieve the objectives of the exercise, the HFWS (Hellenic Air Force Weapon School) oversees the missions from scenario planning to debriefing and makes certain that they cover the full spectrum of mission currently performed by the HAF such as:

  • Air operations versus Integrated Air Defense System (IADS)
  • Offensive Counter Air / Airfield Attack
  • Air Interdiction / Special Targets (e.g. bridges, power stations, vehicles)
  • Anti Surface Warfare
  • Slow Mover Protection (SLOMO)
  • Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR).
  • Dynamic Targeting (DT)
  • Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance (SCAR)
  • Close Air Support (CAS)
  • Time Sensitive Targets (TST)
  • High Value Airborne Asset (HVAA) Protect/Attack

Participants:

Iniochos was attended by a large number of participants from the Hellenic Air Force, Army and Navy, as well as from the United States of America, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Italy, the State of Israel and Cyprus.

Greece: F-16 BLOCK 30/50/52+/M, F-4, M-2000, EMB-145H AEW&C; USA: F-15; United Arab Emirates: MIRAGE 2000-9; United Kingdom:Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4; Italy: TORNADO; Israel: F-16 BLOCK 30 Barak; Cyprus: AW-139

Resume:

Given the high level of the HAF personnel and their capability to conduct exercises involving a variety of weapon systems within one of the largest exercise areas in Europe, the exercise Iniochos aspires to become the most competitive exercise in Europe and the Mediterranean region, and provide participants with a high level of training and unique experience of participation. (credits: HAF)