Greece demonstrated its naval power on June 23, 2025, with a spectacular live-fire exercise featuring twelve missiles of seven different types, showcasing the Hellenic Navy’s full arsenal and combat readiness. This was the largest live missile firing exercise to date for the navy.
On Monday, June 23, 2025, the Hellenic Navy conducted training launches of guided missiles in the broader area of the southern Ionian Sea. The exercise took place in the presence of the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, 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 and the Commander in Chief of the Hellenic Fleet, Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos.
Participating units included ships from the Frigate Command and the Fast Attack Craft Command, helicopters from the Naval Aviation Command, as well as aircraft from the Hellenic Air Force. A significant number and variety of guided missile systems were successfully tested under complex and demanding surface and air threat scenarios. The surface missile launches culminated in the successful sinking of two designated targets, the former training ship Aris (A-74) and the former S148-class fast attack missile craft (FACM) Vlahavas (P-74) that was retired in 2011. Note that following its decommissioning from the Fleet in 2004, Aris continued to serve for several years as a training vessel at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center (NMIOTC).
This exercise forms part of the Hellenic Fleet Headquarters’ annual operational training program. Its objectives include the assessment and enhancement of the combat effectiveness and operational readiness of participating units, as well as the validation of the reliability and performance of Hellenic Navy weapon systems.
This marks the second consecutive year in which the Hellenic Navy has employed nearly its entire range of ship-launched missile systems to rigorously train its crews and verify equipment reliability. In July 2024, the Navy conducted an extensive series of live-fire exercises, launching nine (9) missiles of five (5) different types, effectively demonstrating the full spectrum of its guided missile arsenal. In the most recent exercise, Navy vessels launched eleven (12) missiles of seven (7) distinct types, including one missile launched from a helicopter.
Six frigates took part in the live missile firing exercise. These included five Elli-class (Kortenaer) frigates, Nikiforos Fokas, Aigaion, Elli, Kanaris and Adrias (the latter carrying the Minister and the Chiefs) and one Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigate, Spetsai. In addition, four Roussen-class (Super Vita) FACM also participated: Krystallidis, Vlahakos, Karathanasis, and Grigoropoulos.
Based on official photos, video footage, and released information, several missile launches were confirmed. The frigates Nikiforos Fokas and Aigaion each launched one RGM-84 HARPOON surface-to-surface missile (SSM) against Vlahavas, while Kanaris and Elli each fired one RIM-7P2 NSSM surface-to-air missile (SAM). The Spetsai frigate launched a RIM-162 Block 1 ESSM. Additionally, two Roussen-class FACM fired two MM40 Block 2 EXOCET missiles each against Aris, while a third launched one EXOCET against Vlahavas, and a fourth one fired a RIM-116 RAM missile. Finally, an S-70 helicopter deployed an AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missile (AShM). Additionally, a FIM-92 STINGER man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) was launched from a Machitis-class patrol vessel.
Addressing the crews of the Hellenic Navy who participated in the training missile firings, the Minister of National Defense, from frigate Adrias, stated:
It was an incredible experience to witness the entire Greek Fleet deployed across the southern Ionian Sea. And to observe the missile launches striking their targets. No matter how many units we acquire or what equipment we possess, the primary source of strength, the key force multiplier, is you. The men and women of the Hellenic Navy, the men and women of the Armed Forces.I am proud of you, and on behalf of Greek society, I would like to convey not only our pride but also the sense of confidence you inspire. May you and your families always be well.
Nikos Dendias, Defense Minister of Greece
From these missile firings conducted under challenging scenarios and adverse weather conditions, the Hellenic Navy staff undoubtedly drew valuable conclusions about the effectiveness of the units and their weapons.
According to the TV program Areti kai Tolmi, with reporting by the outstanding Apollon Leontaritis, the incredible videos and photographs were captured by Sergeant Athanasios Papathanasiou, Petty Officer Evangelos Kalogiratos, and Warrant Officer Nikolaos Thodos, while Ensign Nikolaos Roussos was responsible for the video editing. Our sincere congratulations to the team, and many thanks for this exceptional coverage and material!
