French Army Participates for the First Time in Olympic Cooperation Military Exercise in Greece.

In a significant move underscoring the deepening military cooperation between France and Greece, the French Army has for the first time participated in the inter-allied exercise OLYCO (Olympic Cooperation) held in Greece. This event marks a pivotal moment in the strategic partnership between the two nations, highlighting a robust collaboration in defense and military training.
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VBCI wheeled armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles of the French Army at Olympic Cooperation in Greece. (Picture source French Army)

The OLYCO military exercise, which brought together forces from various allied countries, provided a platform for the French Army to demonstrate its capabilities and to work closely with the Greek armed forces. The participation of the French military in this exercise is not just a show of strength but also a commitment to shared security objectives in the region.

In addition to the Greek armed forces, land forces from the USA, France, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Georgia are to participate in the exercise. Apart from these, observers from nine countries are to attend, namely from Egypt, Albania, the United Arab Emirates, Armenia, Jordan, India, Cyprus, Romania, and Saudi Arabia.

During the OLYCO military exercise in Greece, the French Army deployed tank and infantry battalions equipped with Leclerc Main Battle Tanks and VBCI wheeled armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs)

The exercise focused heavily on offensive and defensive operations, with joint forces utilizing armor, mechanized infantry, artillery, helicopters, and combat engineers. The soldiers examined defensive and offensive operations semi-autonomously using DISE (Deployable Instrumentation System, Europe) gear.

The success of this joint exercise is seen as a concrete realization of the ongoing efforts to strengthen military ties and cooperation between France and Greece. It reflects the shared commitment of both nations to maintain stability and security in the region, showcasing their ability to operate effectively in a multinational framework.

The French Army's involvement in Exercise OLYCO (Olympic Cooperation) is a clear indication of the growing strategic alignment between France and Greece, reinforcing their position as key players in regional security and defense collaborations.

Defense News November 2023