From 31 March to 11 April, at the Andravida Air Base, in Greece, the 10th edition of the largest multinational live-flying training event named “Iniochos 25”.
The training scenario, organised annually by the’Hellenic Air Force (HAF), aimed to pursue the “combat readiness”, to test the effectiveness and capability of the assets involved, and their survivability, through realistic training of flight crews in a high-intensity, combined multi-domain environment of air, land and naval threat, using the most current operational tactics and techniques.
The primary objective was to hone the skills in employing the weapon systems assigned to each component, integrate and best exploit the assets by validating their respective operational tactics, and, through joint planning and execution with other deployed aircraft, consolidate the ability to operate in synergy within a multinational context.
The training missions involved a wide area of North-Western Peloponnese, covering a broad spectrum of geomorphological features, which characterised the “Iniochos 25”as one of the main aerial exercises in Europe and the basin of the Mediterranean, capable of providing high-level training and a unique participation experience.
This year's edition achieved an exceptionally significant training return, especially considering the diverse 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 arriving from Cyprus and the participation of a group of observers coming from Slovakia and Bahrain.
The Italian Air Force took part in the flight activities with a personnel component of the 6th Wing, which redeployed 6 PA-200 aircraft for the exercise phases“Tornado”, 3 in I.D.S. version (Interdiction and Strike) and 3 in E.C.R. version (Electronic Combat Reconnaissance).
The “Iniochos 25”enabled flight crews to practise procedures and techniques to be able to act promptly in crisis control missions, within a framework of international cooperation, where the increasingly frequent need to operate in multinational scenarios requires the seamless integration of systems from different countries through the development of procedural standards in order to achieve maximum effectiveness of action. A tremendous training opportunity, which has allowed Italian Air Force personnel to train with the most advanced allied and partner air forces, through the exchange of experiences and by strengthening the operational effectiveness of missions carried out in a constantly evolving security context.
The Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Air Squad Command / 1st Air Region of Milan, Air Marshal Luigi Del Bene, participated in the Visitors' Day, held on 7 April, representing the Chief of Staff of the Air Force; on that occasion he visited the Italian personnel deployed there, expressing deep and heartfelt appreciation for the results achieved by the “Red Devils” in the various training scenarios, within a complex and highly qualifying international context in terms of the number and variety of aircraft assets and the technological capabilities deployed by the participating countries.
It 6th Wing “Alfredo Fusco” it has the task of acquiring and maintaining the capability to carry out interdiction, reconnaissance and surface force support operations, electronic reconnaissance and air support against targets related to hostile or enemy forces, of contributing to the air defence of Italian skies and of the Atlantic Alliance with specific operational capabilities and latest-generation technologies. It ensures the operational conversion and standardisation activity of flight crews assigned to the Tornado IDS/ECR line and operates with PA-200 “Tornado” and F-35A aircraft“Lightning II. It collaborates with the civil authorities for public order, in cases of emergency and/or natural disasters.
It reports hierarchically to the Combat Forces Command, which in turn reports to the Air Squad Command / 1st Air Region stationed in Milan.
