Everything shows that Athens and New Delhi are at the beginning of an important strategic cooperation which will seal the excellent relations between the two states at all levels. And to show that Greece is constantly strengthening its geostrategic footprint not only in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider region up to the Persian Gulf but even further. It approaches and develops its relations not only at the diplomatic but also at the military level with a number of powerful countries that have a high position in the world status and a strong influence in the decision-making centers.
The convergence with India of 1.4 billion inhabitants, although it is still at an early stage, everything shows that it can evolve as the two countries have common interests and views on the need for stability and adherence to the principles of International Law.
The GEETHA has published photographic material from the joint training of a pair of F-4 Phantom fighters of the 338 Fighter Squadron “ARIS” with a Mirage 2000 of the Indian Air Force in the context of the repositioning of an echelon of the Indian Air Force at the 117th Fighter Wing in Andravida for refueling.
The HAF fighters flew over the Ionian Sea and met the Indian “Gliders” who were returning from Great Britain where they participated in the major RAF air exercise “Cobra Warrior 23” centered on Waddington Air Force Base along with fighters from the USA, Sweden, Finland, Saudi Arabia and Singapore.
In Andravida, in addition to the Indian Mirages, a C-17 Globemaster III transporter, which accompanies them, also landed. Earlier, the Indian Mirage 2000s had been co-trained together with the Greek Phantom F-4AUPs in area defense interception scenarios, low-flying flight and virtual attacks on surface targets, contributing to the advancement of the level of operational readiness and combat capability of the Armed Forces of Greece and India such as states the GEETHA.
In two weeks, the Indian carrier along with five Su-30MK fighters this time are expected to land again at the 117th Fighter Wing to participate in the “HNIOHOS 23” exercise. Participation of high symbolism as for the first time fighters of the Indian Air Force are taking part in a Greek exercise but also of substance as the Indians will be given the opportunity to train at a very high level with the Hellenic Air Force and the rest participating as well as the HAF participating in missions with an unknown but powerful fighter.
India’s participation in the exercise “HNIOHOS 23” seems not to be an isolated event, but the two Staffs are planning joint activities in the near future. So at the first opportunity we are expected to see Air Force fighters landing at some Air Base in India retaliating. In addition, according to information, GEETHA is considering a series of other joint actions such as joint training of Special Operations Units or Warships. Joint actions are likely to be combined with visits by the Military leadership to India and Greece from both sides.