From the Liveblog of
Monday, March 31, 2025
Israel participating in joint air force drills in Greece with 11 other countries, including Qatar
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The Israeli Air Force is participating in an annual aerial exercise hosted by Greece, which this year includes the participation of Qatar.
Eleven other countries are joining 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 is participating with supporting personnel, and Slovakia and Bahrain have sent observers.
The IAF has only sent a Gulfstream G550 spy plane for the drill, according to the Hellenic Air Force. In previous years, the IAF has sent several fighter jet squadrons and refuelers, in addition to spy planes.
The deployment phase of the exercise began on March 24. The aerial drills began today and are scheduled to last through April 11.
The Hellenic Air Force says the drill is meant to simulate a variety of scenarios, including evading attacks, strikes, and search and rescue.
The Israeli military has not commented on the drill.
The Times of Israel Community.