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The exercise began on 31 October and will run until 8 November 2026, bringing together some of the region\u2019s most highly trained military personnel to strengthen regional security and military cooperation.<\/p>\n
A Greek-Led Military Initiative<\/strong><\/p>\n The exercise forms part of the Balkan Conference of Chiefs of Defence, an initiative launched in 2007 by Greece\u2019s Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.<\/p>\n Since 2012, participating countries have held the joint training exercise annually, with the host nation rotating among them.<\/p>\n Read more: Body of Missing Israeli Hiker Found on Mount Olympus After Two Weeks<\/p>\n Greece is hosting the event under the name BALKAN SHIELD for the third time, following previous exercises in 2016 and 2022.<\/p>\n Eight Balkan Countries Take Part<\/strong><\/p>\n Military personnel from eight countries are conducting joint training exercises in the shadow of Mount Olympus.<\/p>\n The participating countries are:<\/p>\n Parachute Operations and Advanced Drone Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n The BALKAN SHIELD 26 training programme covers a demanding range of military operations, including rapid-response live-fire combat drills, specialised sniper training and operations in built-up areas.<\/p>\n The programme also includes static-line and freefall parachute jumps, rapid helicopter descents and battlefield first-aid training.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s exercise places particular emphasis on emerging military technologies, with extensive use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and first-person-view (FPV) drones.<\/p>\n Military personnel use these systems to engage simulated targets and gather intelligence, reflecting the increasingly important role of drone technology in modern warfare.<\/p>\n Operational Planning and Military Support<\/strong><\/p>\n The Special Warfare Command (DEP) developed the exercise\u2019s operational plan, while the 1st Infantry Division oversees its execution.<\/p>\n Greece\u2019s contingent includes elite personnel from the Special Warfare Command and the Hellenic Army General Staff.<\/p>\n The Hellenic Air Force and Army Aviation provide essential aerial support through aircraft and helicopters.<\/p>\n (Source: AMNA)<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n