From the Liveblog of
Friday, April 11, 2025
IAF confirms it participated with Qatar in aerial exercises hosted by Greece
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The IDF finally comments on its participation in an annual aerial exercise hosted by Greece, which this year included the participation of Qatar.
Eleven other countries joined Greece in its Iniochos exercise this year: the United States, France, India, Israel, Italy, Montenegro, Poland, Qatar, Slovenia, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates.
Cyprus participated with supporting personnel, and Slovakia and Bahrain have sent observers.
The Israeli Air Force only sent a Gulfstream G550 spy plane, from the 122nd Squadron, for the drill, the military confirms. In previous years, the IAF sent several fighter jet squadrons and refuelers, in addition to spy planes.
The drill began on March 24 and ended today. The IDF refused to comment on the drill until it had concluded.
In a statement, the IDF says that its participation in the exercise is “intended to strengthen strategic cooperation with foreign armies, improve the competence of the participating forces, and to give the crews a professional challenge in flight conditions in an unknown environment and with varying threats.”
The IDF does not mention the countries that participated in the drill.
The Hellenic Air Force said last month that the drill is meant to simulate a variety of scenarios, including evading attacks, strikes, and search and rescue.
