Greece, US Conclude Bilateral Military Training

The armed forces of Greece and the US conducted bilateral training last month in the Attica region, with both countries engaging in conduct and special air operations.

It was announced on Thursday, June 13, by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff that those involved in the training from the Greek armed forces included members of the Air Special Operations Unit (MAEE) of the Special Warfare Command (DEP) of the GHETHA.

From the American forces, those involved were personnel and members of the Mobile Training Group (KEO) of the 160 Special Operations Aviation Regiment of the US Special Operations Forces.

The announcement describes the training as being related to objects of design and conduct of air special operations, and was carried out in the context of the preparation of the MAEE, in view of its upcoming operational evaluation by the Allied Special Operations Forces Command (ASOFCOM) of Nato, to take place this month.

In practice, the training evidences the strong military ties and diplomatic relationship between Greece and the US, the announcement concludes.

Greece-US Military Relations Historically

Bilateral Greek-US military relations can be dated back to the early 19th century when Greeks were fighting for their independence against the Ottoman Empire. During the movement of philhellenism, the two nations found commonality under their values of freedom and democracy, while many American philhellenes went also to help in Greece.

Military collaboration during conflicts such as World War I and World War II has set the foundation for the two countries as firm allies. Greece and the US have also been allies throughout the Cold War and are members of the NATO alliance.

The US-Greek Defense Industrial Cooperation Agreement, which was signed on September 8, 1983, regulates defense and intelligence relations between Greece and the United States.

In 2019, Greece and the US signed a revised defense pact, which American officials described as critical to responding to security challenges in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The deal covers increasing joint US-Greece and NATO activity in Larissa, Stefanovikio, and Alexandroupoli, as well as infrastructure and other improvements at the Crete Naval Base.

On November 6, 2020, Greece raised an official request to the US for the acquisition of 18 to 24 stealth multi-role F-35 fighter jets from the year 2021. On October 13, 2021, the two countries upgraded their defense pact, signing an agreement that permits expanded access for US troops to train and operate from four additional bases in Greece indefinitely.

Greece also has a bilateral maritime defense pact with France, and the parties hold these to be complementary to NATO.