Aspect

Details

Host Country

Greece

Location

Andravida Air Base

Organizer

Hellenic Air Force (Greece)

Objective

To enhance international cooperation, synergy and interoperability among participating air forces.

IAF Contingent

Su-30 MKI fighter jets, IL-78 mid-air refuelers, and C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.

Participating Countries

India, France (M-2000), Israel (G-550), Italy (Tornado), Montenegro (B-412), Poland (F-16), Qatar (F-15), Slovenia (PC-9), Spain (F-18), UAE (M-2000/9), US (F-16, KC-46, KC-135). 
Cyprus (support staff), Bahrain & Slovakia (observers).

Key Exercise Scenarios

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 Operations 

High-Value Airborne Asset Protection

Significance for IAF

Strengthening operational capabilities in multinational air combat scenarios

Training in planning & executing joint air operations 

Refining combat tactics in complex air warfare environments

 Enhancing military diplomacy & partnerships

Exercise Name

Participating Nations

Type

Key Objectives

Tarang Shakti

India, France, Germany, Spain, UK, Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Japan, Singapore, UAE, USA, Sri Lanka

Multinational Air Exercise

Foster diverse ties, strengthen cooperation in counter air, reconnaissance, airlift, air defense, and close air support.

Desert Flag VIII

India, Australia, Bahrain, France, Kuwait, Morocco, UAE, USA, UK, Spain, South Korea

Multinational Air Exercise

Enhance operational capabilities and interoperability among participating air forces.

Eastern Bridge-V

India, Oman

Bilateral Air Exercise

Enhance interoperability and mutual operations; first international participation of MiG-29.

Cope India

India, USA

Bilateral Air Exercise

Strengthen air operations coordination and share best practices.

Garuda

India, France

Bilateral Air Exercise

Enhance cooperation and interoperability between the two air forces.

Indradhanush

India, UK

Bilateral Air Exercise

Share knowledge and experience in air operations and improve mutual understanding.

SINDEX

India, Singapore

Bilateral Air Exercise

Strengthen defense ties and enhance interoperability between the air forces.

SLINEX

India, Sri Lanka

Bilateral Naval Exercise

Improve mutual understanding and interoperability in maritime operations.

Samvedna

India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, UAE

Multilateral HADR Exercise

Conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations collaboratively.

PRACTICE QUESTION

 Q. Which type of operations are conducted in Exercise INIOCHOS 25?

a) Maritime Search and Rescue Operations only

b) Airborne Surveillance and Transport Operations only

c) Offensive and Defensive Counter Air Operations, Strategic Air Operations and Reconnaissance Missions

d) None of the above

Answer: d

Explanation

Exercise INIOCHOS-25 is a multi national air warfare exercise conducted by the Hellenic Air Force of Greece. It is designed to enhance the combat readiness, interoperability and operational capabilities of participating air forces. The exercise involves a variety of air combat scenarios including

Offensive Counter Air Operations: Air strikes aimed at enemy airfields, aircraft, and radar installations

Defensive Counter Air Operations: Protection of friendly airspace from enemy air attacks.

Strategic Air Operations: Long-range missions targeting high-value strategic assets.

Reconnaissance Missions: Gathering intelligence on enemy movements and positions.

The exercise simulates realistic combat scenarios including air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements, electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defenses. It is considered one of the most complex air exercises in Europe involving multiple fighter aircraft, UAVs and support aircraft.