Iniochos 2025, Freedom is never given

The multinational air exercise Iniochos 2025 officially concluded on Friday, April 11, following nearly two weeks of intensive operations that began on Monday, March 31, 2025.

The main hub for the exercise was Andravida Air Base, which hosted the majority of the foreign air contingents. Meanwhile, most of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) aircraft operated out of the 116 Combat Wing at Araxos airbase.

INIOCHOS has evolved into one of the most demanding and realistic multinational air exercises in the world, and this year’s iteration is no exception. For over a decade, INIOCHOS has grown in complexity and scope, providing participants with a unique and challenging training environment. Through continuous evolution and adaptation, we have refined our capabilities, ensuring that we meet the demands of modern air warfare.

Over the years, the Hellenic Air Force has accumulated invaluable experience through INIOCHOS, not only in executing complex, multi-domain air operations but also in organizing and managing large-scale multinational exercises. This expertise has played a pivotal role in the very successful hosting of NATO’s first ever Flag exercise, the Ramstein Flag, which was held at this very base just six months ago.

The primary goal of INIOCHOS is to provide high-quality training that simulates real-world combat scenarios. The battlefield of tomorrow is becoming increasingly complex, contested, and interconnected.

INIOCHOS exposes participants to an intensive battle rhythm, replicating the friction and unpredictability of actual combat situations. Pilots, planners, and ground crews are tested to their limits, preparing them for the challenges they will face in operational environments.

Legacy Meets the Future

The 117 Combat Wing has long been a stalwart of Hellenic Air Force (HAF) operations. Nestled near the Ionian Sea, Andravida Air Base combines decades of experience with cutting-edge facilities. Its location and weather make it an ideal staging ground for complex training missions that simulate modern warfare’s multi-domain challenges — from dogfights to electronic warfare, deep strike, and dynamic targeting. Iniochos 2025 pushed those challenges to a new level.

With over 30 aircraft types from more than 13 nations, the exercise offered an unmatched sandbox.

The HAF’s own F-4E AUP Phantom IIs, making proberly one of their final appearances before retirement, flew alongside newer assets like the F-15QA’s from the Qatar air force, SU-30’s from the Indian airforce and the Dassault Rafale from the French Air and Space Force.

The F-4E’s involvement in INIOCHOS showcases not only its operational capabilities but also the expertise of HAF pilots and maintainers. It plays a vital role in both offensive and defensive missions, often tasked with delivering precision strikes or providing support for younger, more modern platforms like the F-16 and Rafale. The Phantom’s participation also serves as a tribute to its legacy and the tactical flexibility it continues to offer, even in today’s high-tech battlefield environment.

Sundown of a legend

The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) is preparing to retire its remaining McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II aircraft, marking the end of over five decades of service. This decision is part of Greece’s broader modernization initiative, known as the “Agenda 2030,” aimed at upgrading its military capabilities. The plan includes phasing out older aircraft like the F-4E Phantoms, Mirage 2000-5s, and F-16 Block 30s, while acquiring advanced fighters such as the F-35A Lightning II and additional Dassault Rafale jets. When the exact withdrawal of the mighty Phantom will be is still unknow.

Currently, the 338 sqn, based at Andravida Air Base, operates the last active F-4E Phantoms in Greece. These aircraft, upgraded under the Peace Icarus 2000 program, have been maintained for their multirole capabilities. However, with the anticipated arrival of the first F-35As in 2027, the Phantoms are expected to be retired, aligning with the HAF’s transition to a fleet comprising modern 4.5 and 5th-generation aircraft.

The retirement of the F-4E Phantoms will not only signify the end of an era but also allow the HAF to reallocate valuable resources. Approximately €30 million will be saved annually, and skilled personnel, including 228 technicians and 17 operators, will be reassigned to support newer aircraft systems.

While the F-4E Phantom II has been a cornerstone of the HAF’s operational history, its forthcoming retirement underscores Greece’s commitment to modernizing its air force and enhancing its defense capabilities for the future.

A Global Chessboard in the Sky

Every morning began with a full-force mission brief in the newly updated Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC), where pilots from the U.S., France, Italy, UAE, Israel, Cyprus, and others gathered to plan. Simulated red force aggressors, often Greek pilots themselves flying with seasoned precision, challenged blue force teams to think, adapt, and survive.

This year’s edition marked the largest participation in the history of Iniochos since it became an INVITEX (Invitation Exercise), with 12 countries taking part.

Over the course of the exercise, more than 1,300 sorties were flown within the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR), underscoring the scale and intensity of the operations.

Supporting forces from the Hellenic Army, Navy, and the Special Warfare Command played a crucial role in crafting complex and realistic operational scenarios. Additionally, Bahrain, Cyprus, and Slovakia participated as observer nations.

Throughout Iniochos 2025, a wide range of air missions were conducted in a high-tempo, round-the-clock environment. These missions spanned the full spectrum of modern air operations, combining live-action drills with digital training scenarios. Tactical simulators for F-16 aircraft at the Operational Synthetic Training Squadron of the Hellenic Air Tactics Center were also utilized, expanding the exercise into virtual combat spaces.

INIOCHOS 25 continues to serve as a centerpiece of international air force cooperation, reflecting the readiness, professionalism, and unity of participating nations. As Lt. Gen. Grigoriadis, Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, concluded during a media day:

“Today, we witness the strength of cooperation, the professionalism of our forces, and the innovation shaping the future of air warfare. May our skies remain safe, and our bonds endure. Fight’s on!”