IAF's Su-30 MKI to Showcase Skills in Greece Multinational Exercise
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in the biennial multinational air exercise INIOCHOS-25 in Greece, starting March 31, 2025. The exercise aims to enhance cooperation and operational capabilities with various air forces, including the US, Israel, and France.
Key Takeaways
- IAF’s participation in INIOCHOS-25 aims to enhance international cooperation.
- The exercise will involve major air operations including offensive and defensive counter-air operations.
- Participants include major air forces from around the world.
- The exercise spans three phases, focusing on deployment, execution, and redeployment.
- IAF seeks to strengthen its operational capabilities through this exercise.
New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) Aiming to sharpen skills against a dozen other counterparts, including the US, Israel, and France, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in the biennial multinational air exercise INIOCHOS-25, commencing in Greece from Monday, an official stated.
The IAF contingent, featuring Su-30 MKI fighters along with combat enabler IL-78 and C-17 aircraft, will join this esteemed multinational air exercise hosted by the Hellenic Air Force at Andravida Air Base from March 31 to April 11, 2025.
INIOCHOS is a biennial multinational air exercise organized by the Hellenic Air Force. It serves as a platform for air forces to enhance their skills, exchange tactical knowledge, and strengthen military ties.
According to the Hellenic Air Force, this edition, featuring the largest number of fighter aircraft and helicopters from participating countries, is divided into three phases. Phase 1, involving the deployment of participating forces, was from March 24-30, while Phase 2, the main phase, will cover the execution of the exercise from March 31 to April 11.
The final phase will entail the redeployment of forces from April 11 to April 13.
The execution phase of the exercise will include Offensive Counter Air Operations, Defensive Counter Air Operations, Strategic Air Operations, Air Power Contribution to Counter-Land Operations, Air Power Contribution to Maritime Operations, Reconnaissance Missions, Combat Search and Rescue, Time Sensitive Target, and High Value Airborne Asset, as reported by the Hellenic Air Force.
Besides the Hellenic Air Force and the IAF, other participants include France with the Μ-2000, Israel with G-550, Italy with Tornado, Montenegro with B-412, Poland with F-16, Qatar with F-15, Slovenia with 2 PC-9, Spain with F-18, the UAE with Μ-2000/9, and the US with F-16, KC-46, and KC-135.
Cyprus will be represented by support staff, while Bahrain and Slovakia will send teams of observers.
According to the IAF, its involvement in Exercise INIOCHOS 25 aims to promote international cooperation, synergy, and interoperability among the participating air forces.
An official highlighted that the exercise will offer a chance to train in planning and executing combined air operations, refine tactics in complex air warfare scenarios, and gain valuable insights into operational best practices.
The IAF's participation will not only enhance its operational capabilities but also facilitate mutual learning and improved coordination among the participating nations.
The IAF's involvement in INIOCHOS-25 underscores its commitment to global defence cooperation and operational excellence. The exercise will further strengthen India's strategic partnerships and enhance its capabilities in joint operations with allied nations, stated the official.
In October of the previous year, the IAF conducted the 12th Joint Military Training (JMT) with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) at Air Force Station Kalaikunda, West Bengal. The RSAF participated with its largest contingent to date, comprising aircrew and support personnel from F-16, F-15 squadrons, along with G-550 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) and C-130 aircraft. The IAF showcased its Rafale, Mirage 2000 ITI, Su-30 MKI, Tejas, MiG-29, and Jaguar aircraft.
