With the frigate “Themistocles” and 1 AS-332 Super Puma helicopter, the Armed Forces participated in the multinational cross-branch exercise called “ARGONAUTIS 2023” which took place in the Republic of Cyprus, under the direction and coordination of the General Staff of the National Guard. with the cooperation of state agencies and its services.

“ARGONAUTIS 2023” is a Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) exercise and concerned:

  • Crisis Management, with a focus on the provision of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of civilians, with the participation of representatives of the 18 countries of the Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation Coordination Group (NEO CG) and
  • Search and rescue in the area of ​​responsibility (Search and Rescue Area of ​​Responsibility – SAR) of the Republic of Cyprus, with the participation of personnel and media from Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, France, the United Kingdom, the USA, Israel and the Italy.

The purpose of the exercise was to increase operational readiness and strengthen the cooperation and interoperability of the participants in procedures for the provision of humanitarian aid, search and rescue of civilians, confirming the ability of the Republic of Cyprus to act effectively in humanitarian operations in the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean, it is emphasized in an announcement by GEETHA.