On Wednesday 04 June 2025, in the presence of the Chief of Hellenic Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, the DV Day of Field Exercise “IMMEDIATE RESPONSE – 25” (IR25), part of the broader exercise “DEFENDER EUROPE” – 25 (DE25), took place at the Petrochori Range – Proving Ground in Xanthi, involving troops and assets of the XX Armoured Division “MAKEDONIA CAVALRY DIVISION”, the 5th Airmobile Brigade “V CRETE DIVISION”, the 1st Army Aviation Brigade “KILKIS LAHANAS”, the Special Warfare Command, a specialised Chemical-Biological-Radiological-Nuclear (CBRN) team of the Special CBRN Defence Company, and a pair of
F-16 aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force.
The exercise is conducted from 26 May to 07 June 2025 and it is the largest annual military exercise of the US Army in Europe. It is held in the context of a network of international cooperation with friendly and allied countries by troops of the Armed Forces of Bulgaria, France, Georgia, the Republic of North Macedonia, Greece, the US, and Spain.
As the final phase of the exercise was carried out, the participants had the opportunity to train in scenarios of Mechanised Infantry Battalion Task Force defensive operations, supported by Attack and Reconnaissance Helicopters, followed by a counterattack and airmobile action, the use of UAVs, and actions in a CBRN and urban environment.
The final phase of the exercise was observed by:
• The MP for Kavala Mr. Paschalidis Ioannis.
• The Mayor of Xanthi Mr. Efstratios Kontos.
• The Metropolitan of Xanthi and Peritheorion Mr. Panteleimon.
• Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Greece, Ms Maria Olson.
• The Director of the Political Office of the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Thanassis Davakis, Mr. Evripidi Tsakiridis.
• Members of the Supreme Army Council.
• USAREUR-AF Chief of Staff / Deputy Commanding General for Army National Guard, Major General Levon E. Cumpton.
• Representatives of the National Guards of Alabama, Tennessee, και Vermont.
• Ambassadors, Defence Attachés, and Officers from participating countries.
• The Deputy Head of Region for Xanthi Ms Polixeni Brika .
• The Deputy Head of Region for Kavala Mr. Theodoros Markopoulos.
• Representatives of the local government.
• Armed and Security Forces active duty and retired officers, as well as accredited journalists.
The exercise highlighted the role of Greece as a pillar of stability in SE Europe. The participation of more than 2500 troops from six allied countries enhances the Army’s interoperability, trust, and readiness in the strategic region of Thrace. Also, all participants acknowledged that Greece can lead in a multinational environment with professionalism, effectiveness, and consistency.
#ΕλληνικόςΣτρατός, #HellenicArmy
