The Phantom's Reign Continues: Greece Welcomes Iniochos 2025 with the Formidable F-4

At Vintage Aviation News , we usually concentrate on traditional warplanes, but occasionally, a contemporary icon prompts us to expand our scope. This is such an instance. Meet the renowned McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II - an airplane that remains historically significant even many years following its debut. Though not strictly considered a "warbird," the Phantom II merits attention because of its legendary status and ongoing use by the airforces of Iran, Turkey, and Greece. The sole privately-owned, flying version of this aircraft can be found with the Collings Foundation In the U.S., however, Greece's Hellenic Air Force continues to keep the jet in prominent active duty.

Audiophiles from across the world convened in Greece to observe Iniochos 2025 , an annual international air exercise conducted at Andravida Air Base in western Greece. This year’s event took place from March 24 to April 13, providing a spectacular demonstration of aerial strength. A dedicated spotter day was organized on April 7, attended by enthusiasts like our acquaintance Dino van Doorn. Dutch Military Aviation Photography were present to snap breathtaking photos of the intimidating "Rhino," a cherished moniker for the F-4.

Inside Iniochos 2025

Managed and supervised by the Hellenic Air Force Fighter Weapons School, Iniochos 2025 Is divided into three primary stages. Stage one, occurring between March 24 and 30, encompasses the mobilization of all involved units. Stage two, spanning from March 31 to April 11, focuses on the central activities of the drill. Lastly, stage three, set for April 11 through April 13, handles the withdrawal of all resources and individuals.

Every stage highlights the utmost benchmarks for mission planning, implementation, and post-operation analysis. During Iniochos exercises, a wide array of contemporary aerial activities are carried out, encompassing both offensive and defensive anti-aircraft efforts, comprehensive strategic bombing runs, support roles in ground and naval engagements, intelligence-gathering flights, urgent personnel recovery tasks, immediate target strikes, as well as safeguarding critical flying resources.

This year’s drill featured an array of notable international contributors. France dispatched Mirage 2000 fighter planes; India engaged with Su-30s; and Israel added their G550 reconnaissance aircraft into the mix. Italy entered with Tornado attack jets, while Montenegro supplied Bell 412 choppers. Poland arrived with F-16s, Qatar came onboard with F-15s, and Slovenia offered up two PC-9 training aircraft. Spain jumped in with F/A-18 Hornet jets, and the United Arab Emirates fielded Mirage 2000-9s. The U.S. also took part, bringing not only F-16s but also KC-46 and KC-135 refueling tanks.

The Phantom's Heritage in Greece

In 1974, Greece initially received the Phantom II through the "Peace Icarus" weapons initiative. Despite being regarded as a second-generation aircraft, the F-4 continues to serve effectively in combat roles due to significant upgrades encompassed in an intensive modernization program referred to as Peace Icarus 2000 The German aerospace company DASA enhanced the aircraft by incorporating sophisticated electronic equipment and mission systems, thereby considerably prolonging its usefulness in operations.

Currently, 34 enhanced F-4Es operate out of Andravida as part of the Hellenic Air Force’s 117 Combat Wing, divided among the 338 “Aris” and 339 “Aias” squadrons. Simultaneously, twelve RF-4E reconnaissance versions remain operational with the 348 “Eyes” squadron located at Larissa Air Base within the jurisdiction of the 110 Combat Wing. These improved F-4Es feature the distinctive “Aegean Ghost” camo scheme, which harmonizes well with the area's sky colors—predominantly blue and grey. In contrast, the RF-4Es retain their original Vietnam War color patterns—a tribute to their historical legacy.

A lot of gratitude goes to Dino van Doorn of Dutch Military Aviation Photography for providing these images. If you liked this article and wish to remain informed, please let us know. , please click the Follow button at the top of this page.