Multinational military exercise Medusa 15 concludes in Crete

The multinational joint military exercise "Medusa 15" concluded on September 18, 2026, off the coast of Crete. Running from September 10, the drill involved military forces from Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, France, and Italy, with observers from nations including Serbia and the United Arab Emirates. The exercise utilized diverse naval assets, including frigates, missile boats, corvettes, submarines, landing craft, and a helicopter carrier, alongside air and special operations units.

Operational scenarios addressed naval interdiction, combined amphibious landings, and simulated air strikes. Notably, the exercise focused on countering "swarm" attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using the Greek "Kentauros" Counter-UAS system. The final phase was observed aboard the Greek frigate "Psara" by top military leadership, including Greek General Dimitrios Choupis, Cypriot Lieutenant General Emmanuel Theodorou, and Egyptian Lieutenant General Ahmed Fathy Ibrahim Khalifa.

The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and tactical coordination among the participating armed forces. Beyond local naval engagements near Crete, activities extended across the Myrtoan Sea and southern waters of Karpathos, reinforcing regional defense cooperation and strategic ties between the involved nations.