The multinational exercise “AEGEAN SEAL 26-I” was conducted from 11 to 22 October 2026 in the wider maritime areas of the Southern Euboean Gulf and the Saronic Gulf.
The exercise is held annually by the Hellenic Navy, with the primary objective of enhancing cooperation among participating units in Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (EOD/C-IED) operations, as well as Very Shallow Water Mine Countermeasures (VSW MCM) operations.
The Hellenic Navy participated with Special Operations Craft, AETOS-class fast craft, S-70B Aegean Hawk helicopters, as well as assets and personnel from the Underwater Demolition Command. Estonia, the United States, Spain, Italy and Poland also participated, contributing mine neutralization teams, divers, autonomous vehicles for mine detection and neutralization, medical personnel and support staff.
Throughout the exercise, a wide range of training activities was conducted, focusing on mine detection and neutralization, mine countermeasures in very shallow waters under conditions of multiple and asymmetric threats, as well as techniques for neutralizing conventional and improvised explosive devices both on land and at sea.
The exercise contributed to maintaining and enhancing operational readiness, while further strengthening cooperation and interoperability among participating units within an allied framework.
Commander Georgios Laiakis HN
Spokesperson for the Hellenic Navy General Staff
