Saudi Air Force Joins INIOCHOS 2024 Drill in Greece

RIYADH: Members of the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) have arrived at the Greek Andravida Air Base to participate in the INIOCHOS 2024 air drill, a joint exercise involving multiple countries, announced the Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense on Friday.

The RSAF team, comprising six Typhoon aircraft along with air, technical, and support crews, will engage in the annual medium-scale exercise aimed at enhancing readiness and combat efficiency. The exercise spans several phases, including deployment, execution, and force redeployment, scheduled from April 1 to April 21.

INIOCHOS 2024 is considered one of the largest military exercises in Europe, involving offensive, defensive, and strategic air operations, as well as counterland and maritime exercises. It provides an opportunity for RSAF personnel to exchange expertise with multinational forces and simulate real-war scenarios.

The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) Fighter Weapons School will oversee the planning, execution, and debriefing of all missions during the exercise, which includes participants from Cyprus, France, Montenegro, Qatar, Romania, Spain, the UK, and the US.

Additionally, Austria, Portugal, and Germany will contribute intelligence personnel, special forces, and observer groups, making this year’s drill one of the most extensive since its inception in the 1980s.

The RSAF’s involvement in INIOCHOS 2024 reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing military capabilities through strategic partnerships and joint exercises with allied nations.