The Greek Armed Forces conducted a surprise military exercise in the Aegean Sea on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, involving all three branches of the military and the Special Warfare Command.

The drill, ordered suddenly by Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, was designed to test operational readiness and deterrence capabilities.

According to the Defense Ministry, the final phase of the exercise took place on an island under the responsibility of the Supreme Military Command of the Interior and Islands (ASDEN). It included a simulation of recapturing an islet, with joint operations by land, sea, and air forces, supported by special operations units.

The exercise comes against the backdrop of renewed tensions in the region, following Turkish announcements of planned exploration activities by the research vessel Piri Reis.

The maneuvers were closely monitored by senior military leadership, including the chiefs of the Navy, Air Force, and ASDEN, as well as the commander of the Special Warfare Command.

Military officials emphasized that the purpose of the drill was to demonstrate Greece’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to potential threats in the Aegean.