NATO Operations

NATO Operations

KFOR

UN Security Council Resolution 1244 provided for a NATO-led security force in Kosovo (KFOR). KFOR is recognized and trusted by all parties involved, both thanks to its equal cooperation with other international organizations present in the region and to the neutrality it maintains regarding the issue of the status of Kosovo. Today, approximately 4,500 Allied and partner troops operate in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Greece has been participating in KFOR since its inception.

Maritime Security

NATO conducts three main operations and activities in the maritime domain: the Alliance’s Standing Naval Forces, Operation Sea Guardian and the Aegean Activity. Greece’s contribution to them is significant.

A) Standing Naval Forces

NATO's Standing Naval Forces, or SNF, provide the Alliance with a continuous, credible, and agile maritime capability that can be rapidly deployed in times of crisis or tension, and can be complemented with additional Allied ships when needed.

B) Operation Sea Guardian

Operation Sea Guardian (OSG) contributes to the maintenance of a safe and secure maritime environment in the Mediterranean Sea through three main tasks: maritime security capacity-building, situational awareness and counter-terrorism. It has been ongoing since November 2016 and is the successor of Operation Active Endeavour.

C) Aegean Activity

NATO has contributed to the broader international efforts to assist with the refugee and migrant crisis since February 2016. To that end, NATO ships conduct reconnaissance, monitoring and surveillance of crossing points in the Aegean Sea, in cooperation also with the Greek Coast Guard. NATO ships contribute to the prevention of human trafficking in the Aegean Sea, while providing maritime situational awareness.

NATO’s advisory and capacity-building mission in Iraq

NATO Mission Iraq was launched at the 2018 Brussels Summit, at the request of the Iraqi government and in coordination with the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. It is a non-combat advisory and capacity-building mission that aims to strengthen Iraqi security institutions and forces, so that they can prevent the return of ISIS, combat terrorism and stabilise the country. Greece participates in this mission with 6 personnel.

NATO Air Policing

NATO Air Policing is a peacetime mission that aims to preserve the security of Allies’ airspace. It is a collective task and involves the continuous presence of fighter aircraft and crews, ready to react quickly to potential airspace violations and to take appropriate action. Allied fighter aircraft patrol the airspace of Allies who do not have fighter jets of their own. NATO Air Policing is part of NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) system. Within this framework, the Hellenic Air Force monitors the national airspace of Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro.