IAF and Greek AF conduct exercises

From Ares

IAF and Greek Air Force Conduct Joint Exercise Over Mediterranean

Posted by Noam Eshel at 5/28/2010 8:20 AM CDT

The Israeli Air Force began joint training exercises with the Greek Air Force on the island of Crete in the Aegean Sea. The exercise, codenamed "MINOAS 2010", includes training for aerial combat, attacks on terrestrial targets, long-range missions and mid-air refueling. The exercise will also include search and rescue missions from Souda air force base up to the Aegean island of Aghios Eftrastio.

"MINOAS 2010", is scheduled to continue through the weekend. 10 IAF aircraft are participating in the exercise – five F-15I 'Rams' and five F16I 'Sufas'. These are the latest aircraft in the IAF combat fighter fleet and are able to carry out long-range attack missions. An IAF refueling KC-807 tanker is also reported to be taking part in the exercise.

On the Greek side, 15 - F16s are believed to be participating. It is also expected that IAF CH-53 helicopters will arrive in Greece to train in simulated aircrew rescue operations, behind enemy lines.

The IAF has recently carried out several joint training exercises with different air forces in Europe and North America in order to improve the capabilities of its pilots in long-range missions. The Israeli Air Force is training its aircrews to cope with various modern air defense systems, known to be deployed with Arab nations. The IDF spokesman's office confirmed IAF's participation in the joint exercise with Greece and said that it was planned in advance on this year's training schedule.

[CV32: Considering the nature of the Greek air defense OOB, I can't imagine this does much to comfort Syria or Iran, and it can't do much for the frayed relations with the Turks, either]