The Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in Exercise INIOCHOS-25, a prestigious multi-national air exercise hosted by the Hellenic Air Force at Andravida Air Base, Greece, from March 31 to April 11, 2025. The IAF contingent will include Su-30 MKI fighters, IL-78 aerial refuelers, and C-17 transport aircraft. This biennial exercise brings together air forces from 15 countries to enhance interoperability, tactical expertise, and combat readiness. It will feature realistic combat scenarios, integrating multiple air and surface assets. The IAF’s participation will strengthen international military ties, improve joint operational planning, and refine tactics in complex air warfare environments. The exercise highlights India’s commitment to global defense cooperation, fostering mutual learning and reinforcing strategic partnerships with friendly nations.
Key Highlights of Exercise INIOCHOS-25
1. Overview of INIOCHOS-25
- Host Nation: Greece (Hellenic Air Force)
- Location: Andravida Air Base, Greece
- Dates: March 31 – April 11, 2025
- Frequency: Biennial (Every two years)
- Participating Countries: 15 nations
2. Indian Air Force’s Role
Aircraft Participation
- Su-30 MKI Fighters (Multi-role combat aircraft)
- IL-78 Aerial Refuelers (Combat enabler)
- C-17 Transport Aircraft (Strategic airlift support)
Focus Areas
- Enhancing combat interoperability with friendly air forces.
- Training in joint air operations and complex air warfare.
- Exchanging tactical knowledge and operational best practices.
3. Strategic Importance
- Strengthening international military cooperation.
- Enhancing joint mission planning and execution.
- Gaining insights into modern air combat tactics and warfare strategies.
- Reinforcing India’s global defense partnerships and operational readiness.
4. Benefits for the Indian Air Force
- Exposure to multinational air warfare strategies.
- Interacting with diverse air forces to improve operational synergies.
- Refining air combat tactics under real-world combat scenarios.
- Contributing to India’s global defense presence.
Summary/Static | Details |
Why in the news? | Indian Air Force to Participate in INIOCHOS-25: A Multi-Nation Air Exercise |
Exercise Name | INIOCHOS-25 |
Host Country | Greece (Hellenic Air Force) |
Location | Andravida Air Base, Greece |
Dates | March 31 – April 11, 2025 |
Frequency | Biennial |
IAF Aircraft | Participating Su-30 MKI Fighters, IL-78 Aerial Refuelers, C-17 Transport Aircraft |
Total Participating Nations | 15 |
Key Objectives | Enhancing interoperability, tactical knowledge exchange, and combat readiness |
Focus Areas | Combined Air Operations, Joint Mission Planning, Realistic Combat Scenarios |
Strategic Benefits | Strengthening global military ties, refining air combat strategies, and enhancing India’s defense partnerships |