A German-operated Learjet 35A used for target simulation and electronic warfare support was tracked today south of the Peloponnese after departing Araxos Air Base in Greece, where NATO Tiger Meet 2026 is currently underway. The aircraft, operated by GFD (Gesellschaft für Flugzieldarstellung) and using the callsign KITE, carried out repeated patterns over the Ionian Sea before heading back north, indicating active support to complex multinational air combat training scenarios.
The appearance of specialized contractor-operated aircraft during the exercise suggests that NATO Tiger Meet has now entered a more operationally intensive phase involving realistic threat simulation and advanced tactical missions.
Electronic warfare and threat simulation over the Ionian Sea
Although externally similar to a civilian business jet, the GFD Learjet 35A is specifically configured for military support missions. These aircraft are commonly employed across Europe for airborne threat replication, radar tracking exercises, target towing, and electronic warfare support during NATO drills.
The flight tracked today south of Greece likely supported beyond-visual-range engagements, interception training, or radar acquisition exercises over designated maritime operating areas. The repeated patterns flown over the Ionian Sea are consistent with simulated target presentation activities often integrated into large-force air operations.
In recent days, western Greece has seen a significant increase in military aviation activity linked to NATO Tiger Meet 2026. Hosted this year by the Hellenic Air Force at Araxos AB, the exercise gathers tactical aviation units from across the alliance for nearly two weeks of high-intensity multinational flying operations focused on interoperability and combat readiness.
Participating assets reportedly include Hellenic Air Force F-16s and Rafales, Italian Air Force Eurofighters, French Air and Space Force Rafales, Spanish Air Force EF-18s and Eurofighters, Czech Air Force Gripens, and Polish Air Force F-16s, alongside transport, helicopter, and support elements from several NATO nations.
A more operational phase of the exercise
The increasing use of contractor-operated support aircraft highlights how modern NATO exercises are evolving toward more realistic and electronically contested scenarios. Rather than using frontline fighters to simulate threats, allied air forces increasingly rely on specialized civilian-operated platforms capable of reproducing radar signatures, aerial targets, and electronic emissions.
The Ionian Sea remains particularly suited for this kind of activity thanks to its large maritime training areas and relatively uncongested airspace, allowing participating aircraft to conduct complex tactical serials away from dense civilian traffic corridors.
Whether today’s mission marks the beginning of even more advanced live-training activity remains unclear. However, the growing concentration of fighters, support aircraft, and electronic warfare assets around Araxos strongly suggests that NATO Tiger Meet 2026 is entering one of its most demanding operational stages.
Additional tanker operations, coordinated multinational strike packages, and further electronic warfare missions could intensify over southern Greece in the coming days as the exercise progresses.
Keep ItaMilRadar independent 📡
If you appreciate the daily tracking and OSINT analysis, you can support my work on Patreon, helping me cover server and radar costs while keeping the website free and independent. Check out the support tiers to unlock exclusive perks, such as Early Access radar alerts on strategic movements and a direct line for your questions.
That’s interesting to see the continued evolution of training exercises with these kinds of specialized aircraft. It highlights the importance of electronic warfare preparation.
Agree