From Saturday 23 to Friday 29 November 2024, the exercise “NIRIIS 24” took place, with activities at bay, at the Naval Station of Crete (NK) and the Maritime Deterrence Center (KENAP) and at sea, in the wider sea area of the Cretan Sea.
Exercise “NIRIIS” is a multinational exercise type INVITEX (Invitation Exercise) organized annually by the Hellenic Navy with the aim of training procedures on both classic forms of naval warfare and modern forms of threats in maritime security issues.
On the Greek side, the Hellenic Navy participated with Ships and means of the Commands, Frigates (FRG), Fast Boats (DS), Submarines (IM), Amphibious Forces (IHL), Mine Warfare (DNAR), Surveillance Ships (SAR), Navy Air Force (DAN), Submarine Destruction (). Personnel of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, the Hellenic Army, the Air Force, and the Special Warfare Command (DEP) also participated, while units from France and the United States of America as well as observers from Egypt, Albania, Bulgaria and Israel participated.
In addition, the GR Maritime Force Headquarters (GRMARFOR) from the Fleet Headquarters participated and was evaluated in the exercise as the Naval Force Commander’s Staff at sea. The assessment was carried out as part of the Full Operational Capability (FOC) process, as one of NATO’s Maritime Forces (MARFOR) at tactical level.