On Wednesday 01 December 2021 the Bilateral Interdisciplinary Search and Rescue Exercise "AETOS" took place in the sea area between Rhodes and Kastelorizo, with the participation of forces from Greece and Cyprus.

In particular, 1 Super Puma AS-332 helicopter, 1 HERON UAV from Greece and 1 AW-139 helicopter of the Air Force of the Republic of Cyprus took part.

The purpose of the exercise was to test and evaluate the response readiness of the Search and Rescue system of Greece and Cyprus, to increase the interoperability and operational capabilities of the units involved, as well as to improve the cooperation of the Rescue Coordination Centres of the two states, in accordance with the applicable International Conventions and the national legislations.

The scenario of the exercise dealt with a virtual Emergency Situation of a civil aircraft after landing within the Athens FIR and the mobilisation of the Greek and Cypriot SAR system for the rescue of the people in distress.

The Cross-Border Exercise "AETOS" is part of the joint operational training activities of the 2 Countries to increase synergy on the basis of the existing Bilateral Agreement between them.