Exercise Iniochos 2026: Spotters Day at Andravida Airbase – Part 1
Hellenic Air Force F-4E AUP serial 01520 from 338 Mira / 117 Combat Wing lands at Andravida airbase following an INIOCHOS 2026 sortie.
(Click on images to enlarge)
After a week of low-level flying for Exercise Iniochos, I briefly left Greece before returning on March 15th, flying once again on KLM from Amsterdam-Schiphol airport. During that short break, I had the opportunity to photograph the special 31 Squadron 75th anniversary F-16A at Kleine-Brogel before heading back for the official Spotters Day at Andravida Airbase.
An early morning drive from Diakopto brought me to the base on March 16th, where personnel from the 117 Combat Wing handled check-in efficiently and welcomed participants with a well-prepared event package.
Spotters were then transported by bus to a designated viewing area near the control tower, offering an excellent vantage point close to the runway and taxiway. Despite cold temperatures and rain, the atmosphere quickly built as the first aircraft began to start up. Before long, the sound of J79 jet engines signaled the beginning of the day’s flying activity: Phantoms!
Exercise Iniochos is one of Europe’s premier multinational air exercises, hosted annually by the Hellenic Air Force at Andravida Air Base. Originally conducted as a smaller, national-level exercise, Iniochos has evolved over the years into a large-scale international event, attracting participation from numerous allied air forces. The exercise focuses on complex air operations, including offensive and defensive counter-air missions, close air support, and composite air operations in a challenging and realistic training environment. Its combination of varied terrain, extensive airspace, and high operational tempo has made it a highly regarded exercise among participating crews.
While Exercise Iniochos is typically known for strong international participation, the 2026 edition felt noticeably lighter in that respect. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, including developments involving Iran, led to the withdrawal of some expected participants, most notably the U.S. Air Force’s F-15E contingent. Israeli participation had been anticipated but was never officially confirmed, and ultimately did not materialize. Romanian F-16s were also absent for reasons that were not clearly communicated. As a result, the Hellenic Air Force carried the bulk of the flying programme, with the French Air and Space Force’s Mirage 2000Ds standing out as the only foreign fast jets in attendance, alongside smaller contributions such as the Slovenian PC-9s.
Following the morning wave, the flying paused briefly before a solo demonstration by a Hellenic Air Force F-4E AUP from 338 Mira. The sight and sound of a Phantom performing a dedicated display routine was something I had never expected to witness, let alone photograph. Seeing the aircraft put through its paces in such a setting was easily one of the standout moments of the day.
Despite the cold and rain, the Spotters Day at Andravida Air Base delivered a rewarding mix of aircraft and activity, from routine movements to standout moments like the Phantom demonstration. With a full day of flying and plenty of photographic opportunities, there was simply too much to include in a single post. Part 2 will continue with a further selection of images, highlighting more of the aircraft and action captured throughout the day.
© 2026 Patrick Lalande. All rights reserved.