From March 31st to April 11th, the 10th edition of the largest multinational live flight training event called “Iniochos 25” took place at Andravida Air Base, Greece.
The exercise scenario, organized annually by the Hellenic Air Force (HAF), aimed at pursuing “combat readiness”, testing the effectiveness and capabilities of the assets involved, and their survivability, through realistic training of flight crews in a combined multi-domain environment of air, land and naval threats, at high intensity, with the use of the most up-to-date tactics and operational techniques.
The main objective was to refine the capabilities of employing the weapon systems supplied to each component, integrate and make the most of the assets, validate the respective operational tactics and, through joint planning and execution with other deployed aircraft, consolidate the ability to operate in synergy in a multinational context.
The training missions covered a wide area of the North-West Peloponnese, covering a wide spectrum of geomorphological features, which distinguished “Iniochos 25” as one of the main air exercises in Europe and the Mediterranean basin, capable of providing high-level training and a unique participation experience.
This year's edition saw a significant training return, especially considering the varied participation of assets and personnel, coming from countries such as Italy, France, India, Poland, Qatar, Slovenia, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, Israel and Montenegro, as well as a component of support personnel from Cyprus and the participation of a group of observers from Slovakia and Bahrain.
The Italian Air Force took part in the flight activities with a component of personnel from the 6th Wing, which deployed 6 PA-200 “Tornado” aircraft for the exercise phases, 3 in the IDS (Interdiction and Strike) version and 3 in the ECR (Electronic Combat Reconnaissance) version.
The “Iniochos 25” allowed flight crews to practice the procedures and techniques to be able to promptly act in crisis control missions, in an international cooperation context, where the increasingly frequent need to operate in multinational scenarios requires the perfect integration of systems from different countries through the development of procedural standards in order to achieve maximum effectiveness of action. A great training opportunity, which allowed the Air Force personnel to train with the most advanced allied and partner air forces, through the exchange of experiences and strengthening the operational effectiveness of the missions carried out in a constantly evolving security context.
The deputy commander and chief of staff of the air squadron command/1st air region of Milan, air squadron general Luigi Del Bene, participated in the Distinguished Visitors Day, held on April 7, representing the Chief of Staff of the Air Force; on that occasion he visited the Italian personnel deployed there, expressing a deep and heartfelt appreciation for the results achieved by the "Red Devils" in the various training scenarios, in a complex and highly qualifying international context considering the number, the variety of air assets and the technological capabilities deployed by the participating countries.
The 6th Wing "Alfredo Fusco" has the task of acquiring and maintaining the ability to carry out interdiction operations, reconnaissance and support for surface forces, electronic reconnaissance and air support against targets related to hostile or enemy forces, to contribute to the air defense of the Italian skies and of the Atlantic Alliance with specific operational capabilities and latest-generation technologies. It ensures the operational conversion and standardization of the flight crews assigned to the line Tornado IDS/ECR and operates with PA-200 “Tornado” and F-35A “Lightning II” aircraft. Collaborates with civil authorities for public order, in cases of emergency and/or natural disasters.
It depends hierarchically on the Combat Forces command which in turn depends on the command of the air team/1st air region based in Milan.
