Greece launches nationwide ‘Antiochos 26’ emergency exercise

Greece has launched ‘Antiochos 26’, a nationwide non-combat multi-branch national exercise running from September 24 to October 2, 2026. Managed by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, the exercise focuses on testing the operational planning of Total Defence and Emergency Civil Planning (PAM – PSEA).

The exercise involves a wide range of military and political entities, including the Hellenic Parliament, the Presidency of the Government, various ministries, decentralized administrations, and regional authorities. It aims to test the national alarm system and ensure interoperability between the armed forces and public administration during crises.

In the Thessaly region, activities began at the Regional Administration Headquarters in Larissa, involving local municipalities, the Fire Service, and the Police. Specific demonstrations of firefighting equipment are scheduled for September 30 to educate officials and citizens on emergency response. Similar coordination efforts are being implemented across other sensitive geographic areas, including Macedonia and Thrace, to strengthen national security and local community protection.