The Greek Air Force will conduct a large-scale military drill on Wednesday, October 1, featuring the nationwide activation of civil defense sirens. The exercise, known as Parmenion 25, is part of Greece’s regular defense readiness program.

Authorities announced that sirens will sound across the country at specific times to simulate alerts for air raids and chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) threats. Officials emphasized that the tests are strictly precautionary and intended only to ensure that the alarm system functions properly.

The first sirens are scheduled to sound at 11:00 local time, marking a simulated air raid warning lasting 60 seconds, followed by an “all clear” signal five minutes later. Similar sequences will take place throughout the morning and early afternoon across different regions of the country, including northeastern Greece, the Aegean islands, Crete, and urban centers such as Athens and Thessaloniki.

In addition to the sirens, church bells will ring rapidly for three minutes in certain areas to test supplementary alert systems.

The Ministry of Civil Protection stressed that the public should not be alarmed by the drills, which form a key part of Greece’s annual defense exercises aimed at testing coordination, communication, and emergency response readiness.

Parmenion is the largest recurring military exercise in Greece, involving not only the Air Force but also other branches of the armed forces and civil defense authorities.