INIOCHOS 2024
We can compare the Iniochos exercise to the Anatolian Eagle trainings held in Konya, Türkiye. The main purpose of both exercises is to improve the ability of different elements to work together in Composite Air Operations. Although the basic purposes are the same, there are differences in the execution of the exercise. Anatolian Eagle Training stands out with the opportunities it has. To explain this better, I would like to talk about the differences between the AIR TACTICS CENTER at Andravida base and the Anatolian Eagle Training Center (AKEM/AETC) at Konya base. With training aids such as the Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) System and the Post-Mission Analysis System, which are used to evaluate the training performance simultaneously or in a very short time, Anatolian Eagle provides an advanced joint training environment for participating elements to increase their combat readiness level. Command and Control of AE Training is performed via a real-time ACMI System. The TurAF operates both the indigenously developed ACMI System (SDT’s ACMI System) and IAI Systems’ EHUD III ACMI System. Thanks to ACMI, the positions of the aircraft participating in the training can be followed instantly from the ground. Thus, the execution of the training can be carried out more easily and perfectly. In the post-flight debrief, pilots can see their own positions relative to other aircraft and see for sure whether they have accomplished their mission or not. This capability is not available in AIR TACTICS CENTER. This stands out as a significant deficiency in an exercise in which such a large number of aircraft participate.
Another advantage of AETC is its ability to provide training in the electronic warfare environment. Electronic Warfare Test and Training Range (EHTES/EWTTC) is used for this. In the context of the AE Training, at the Electronic Warfare Test and Training Range (EHTES/ EWTTC) in Konya, a wide array of threat emitters and mobile air defense weapon systems including ZSU-23/4 Gundish, SA-6 Gainful, SA-8 Gecko, SA-11A/B Gadfly, Skyguard/Sparrow and a variety of threat emitters such as SA-8 TES and 3 x MTS, integrated with recognized air picture and ACMI System were used to expose aircrews to a high threat environment. Thanks to this opportunity, pilots train in a realistic battlefield and are prepared in a peaceful environment for the environment they will encounter in a real war situation.
Now let's take a look at our main topic, the Iniochos exercise.
Exercise “INIOCHOS” is an annual medium scale exercise based on the facilities of the AIR TACTICS CENTER at the Andravida Air Base, located in the Northwest Peloponnese.
Air Tactics Center, was formed in July 1983 and is located in Andravida Air Base, at the western part of Peloponnese peninsula. The ever – increasing operational training requirements for air tactics and electronic warfare, made its establishment deemed necessary by the Greek Air force leadership. Later, in 1987, the Joint Electronic Warfare School was added, under the direct supervision of the Greek Armed Forces General Staff.
Advances took place in 1990, following the acquisition of 3rd generation aircrafts (F-4, F-16, Mirage 2000). Fighter weapons School had to adapt in the continuous developments. Since then, pilots that participate in the Advanced Tactics Training Courses, have the opportunity to train and emphasize in both Air to air and Air to Ground/Surface tactics. At the same time, Air Defense Controllers have the opportunity to train together with the pilots, thus strengthening the common fighting spirit.
In conclusion, AIRTAC Center constitutes an operational training body and an area for expressing new ideas and searching for new tactics, while testing the means of the Air Force. Over time, the center has emerged as the leading mean of integrating innovative projects with modern technology and future developments.
The mission of the Air Tactics Center (ATC) is to provide;
Advanced training to personnel of all three (3) branches (Army, Navy and Air Force) of the Greek Armed Forces. Research and testing of new methods and procedures, in order to improve the execution of Air Operations. Systematic monitoring of the military technological equipment development and studies, in order to enhance the Air Force’s combat capability.
Air Tactics Center elaborates EW studies and follows operational effectiveness, programming and testing of the desired operational tactics for self – protection systems and all EW means. All operational trials, tests and certifications, EW studies and evaluations of means and weapon systems, takes place in ATC.
The duration of the exercise is 15 calendar days and operations make use of the majority of Athena FIR. The Exercise scenario adopts a Single Base Concept (execution of operations from a single Air Base), with the participation of all branches of the Armed Forces.
The “INIOCHOS” Exercise was first conducted in the late 1980s, as a small scale tactical level exercise, tailored to the contemporary necessity for training in combined air operations in accordance with the Greek Air Force Doctrine. Over the next years, the success of the exercise led to the decision on establishing it as an annual event. The exercise objective was to train personnel in planning and execution of Combined Air Operations (COMAO) in accordance with the HAF Doctrine and National Plans in a realistic environment, in order to test and evaluate operational plans and tactics. For the execution and conduction of the Exercise, the Greek Fighter Weapons School was deployed to Larissa, so as to form the White Cell in the facilities of the National Center for Air Operations. The White Cell was responsible for the optimal coordination and planning of the operations, while participating Aircrafts were also deployed to Larissa, at 110CW, from where they launched for their missions.
In 2005, the Exercise was decentralized, thus the participating Aircrafts were operating from their mother bases, while the White Cell, the planning and the coordination were taking place in the Air Tactics Center and the Fighter Weapons School facilities, in Andravida Air Force Base, implementing newly acquired means of Command and Control.
In November 2013, the decision was made to adopt a Single Base Concept, upgrading the exercise scale to medium and expanding the spectrum of operations with the objective to create a more realistic and Demanding environment, with an intensive and prolonged 24/7 battle rhythm, significantly increasing the level of training.
In April 2015, the exercise is being held for the first time in the form of INVITEX (Invitation Exercise), with the participation of the IAF and the USAFE Special Forces (SOF) as JTAC.
Exercise Main Objectives
Provide realistic training, which is achieved by creating a realistic Battle Environment; Participating personnel are exposed to an intensive battle rhythm with realistic attrition rates and challenging scenarios which include multiple modern threats and real time live injects, tailored to produce the fog of war and the friction effect, which is expected to dominate the modern battlefield and test both the physical and psychological endurance of the modern fighter.
Accurate Shot/Event Assessment; This is achieved with the use of onboard and off board tracking data, sensors and specialized debriefing software, which is leveraged for the reconstruction of the mission by experienced Fighter Weapons School instructors, who oversee the debriefing process.
In order to achieve the objectives of the Exercise, the HFWS oversees the missions from scenario planning to debriefing and makes certain that they cover the full spectrum of missions currently performed by the HAF such as:
Air operations versus Integrated Air Defense System (IADS)
Offensive Counter Air / Airfield Attack
Air Interdiction / Special Targets (bridges, power stations, vehicles, etc.)
Anti-Surface Warfare
Slow Mover Protection (SLOMO)
Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)
Dynamic Targeting (DT) / Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance (SCAR) / Close Air Support (CAS) / Time Sensitive Targets (TST)
High Value Airborne Asset (HVAA) Protect/Attack
On Thursday, April 18, 2024, the Multinational Air Exercise «INIOCHOS 2024», which started on Monday, April 8, 2024, has been completed. The main host unit of the Exercise was the Andravida Air Base, from where almost all of the fighter aircraft of the foreign missions and the majority of the Air Force (AF) fighters operated.
In the exercise “INIOCHOS 2024”, a total of 8 countries participated, the largest number of participants of Air Forces, so far, since the establishment of the exercise as INVITEX. In particular, France with RAFALE and AEW E-3F aircraft, the UK with TYPHOON aircraft, Spain with F-18 aircraft, Qatar with RAFALE aircraft, the Republic of Cyprus with an AW-139 helicopter, Montenegro with a AB-412 helicopter, Romania with F-16s and Saudi Arabia with TYPHOON aircraft, completing 1027 sorties in the entire Athens FIR.
In the exercise, also participated Forces from the Army, Navy and Special Warfare Command, as well as Austria and Portugal with Intelligence and Special Forces personnel, who were involved in creating complex and realistic scenarios, while Germany participated with an observer team. During the exercise «INIOCHOS 2024» were performed all types of air missions under an intense battle rhythm, day and night, covering the whole range of modern air operations in a series of high realistic and complex scenarios in an intense battle rhythm
