The Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS), General Dimitrios Choupis, announced an unscheduled military exercise in the Aegean Sea with the participation of all three branches (army, air force, and navy).

Ostensibly, the purpose of the large-scale military exercise is to demonstrate Greece’s deterrent capabilities and preparedness, as tensions with Turkey are rising following Ankara’s decision to send the research vessel Piri Reis for exploration in the eastern Mediterranean.

The HNDGS issued the following statement: “In the early hours of Wednesday, September 17, 2025, and by order of the Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, an unannounced joint readiness exercise was launched.
The objective of the exercise is to strengthen operational readiness by testing procedures for the implementation of special plans, within the framework of the HNDGS’s operational planning.
The exercise is taking place within the area of responsibility of the Chief of the HNDGS and covers both maritime and land domains, including areas in Evros and the Aegean.
To carry out the exercise, the joint readiness force was activated, with the participation of personnel and assets from all three branches of the Armed Forces, as well as the HNDGS Special Warfare Command.”