From Saturday, November 23 to Friday, November 29, 2024, the Μultinational Exercise “NIRIIS 24” was conducted, which involved onshore operations in Souda Naval Base and NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre, as well as operations at sea in the wider maritime area of Cretan Sea.
The “NIRIIS” exercise is a multinational INVITEX (Invitation Exercise) which is conducted by the Hellenic Navy annually. Its purpose is to train participants in procedures for common naval warfare and modern threat scenarios, focusing on maritime security issues.
Hellenic Navy participated with Warships and assets from Frigate, Fast Boat, Submarine, Amphibious Forces, Mine Warfare, Surveillance Vessels, Navy Aviation and Underwater Demolition Commands. Personnel and assets from Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS), Hellenic Army, Hellenic Air Force, and Special Warfare Command, as well as units from France and the United States of America also took part. The exercise was observed by Egypt, Albania, Bulgaria and Israel.
Moreover, the GR Maritime Force Headquarters (GRMARFOR) participated in the exercise as the Naval Force Commander’s Staff at Sea and was evaluated by the Fleet Headquarters.This evaluation was part of the Full Operational Capability (FOC) process for NATO Maritime Forces (MARFOR) at the tactical level.
Commander G. Laiakis HN
Spokesperson for the General Staff
