On 23 June 2026, the Hellenic Navy successfully conducted a series of live guided missile firing exercises in the wider area of the southern Ionian Sea, as part of its annual operational training programme. The exercises were attended by the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras HN, and the Commander of the Fleet, Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos HN.

The exercise brought together a wide range of naval assets, including units from the Frigate Command, Fast Attack Craft Command, Patrol Vessel Command, and the Underwater Demolition Command (DYK). Helicopters from the Naval Aviation Command and assets of the Hellenic Air Force also participated, demonstrating a high level of joint operational coordination.

During the exercise, the Hellenic Navy successfully launched and evaluated a broad range of guided missile systems under complex and demanding operational scenarios. The live-fire event concluded with the successful engagement and sinking of two designated target vessels, confirming both the effectiveness and reliability of the Navy’s weapons systems.

The activity formed part of the annual operational training programme of the Fleet Headquarters, with the primary objectives of assessing and enhancing the combat capabilities and operational readiness of participating units while validating the performance and reliability of the Hellenic Navy’s guided weapons inventory.

Such large-scale live-fire exercises provide valuable opportunities to train personnel under realistic combat conditions, strengthen interoperability between naval and air assets, and improve tactical decision-making in challenging operational environments.

The successful completion of the exercises highlights the Hellenic Navy’s commitment to maintaining a high state of readiness, ensuring credible maritime deterrence, and safeguarding Greece’s national interests and security across the Aegean, the Ionian Sea, and the Eastern Mediterranean.