NEW DELHI, (IANS): Aiming to hone
skills against a dozen other counterparts, including the US, Israel, and
France, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be participating in biennial
multinational air exercise INIOCHOS-25, starting in Greece from Monday, an
official said.
The IAF contingent, including
Su-30 MKI fighters along with combat enabler IL-78 and C-17 aircraft, will join
the prestigious 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 hosted by the Hellenic Air Force. It serves as a
platform for air forces to hone 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 fielded by the participating countries, is divided into three
phases. Phase 1, comprising the deployment of participating forces, was from
March 24-30, while Phase 2 is the main phase, entailing the execution of the
exercise, from March 31 to April 11.
The final phase will be the
redeployment of forces, from April 11 to April 13.
The execution phase of the
exercise will comprise 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 per
the Hellenic Air Force.
Apart from the Hellenic Air
Force and the IAF, the participants include France with the ?-2000, the 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 ?-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 have a team of observers.
As per the IAF, its
participation in Exercise INIOCHOS 25 is to enhance international cooperation,
synergy and interoperability among participating air forces.
An official said the exercise
will provide an opportunity to train in planning and executing combined air
operations, refine tactics in complex air warfare scenarios, and gain insights
into operational best practices.
IAF's participation will not
only strengthen its operational capabilities but also contribute to mutual
learning and enhanced coordination among participating countries.
The IAF's participation in
INIOCHOS-25 reflects its commitment to global defence cooperation and
operational excellence. The exercise will further reinforce India's strategic
partnerships-and bolster its capabilities in joint operations with friendly
nations, said the statement.
In October last year, the IAF
undertook 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 till 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 participated with Rafale, Mirage
2000 ITI, Su-30 MKI, Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft.
