Greek Special Operations Forces to deploy to Mozambique

Greek Special Operations Forces

Greek Special Operations Forces conduct vehicle interdiction training during ORION 21 in Avlona, Greece June 1, 2021. ORION 21 is a Greek exercise designed to test international collaborations, the role of Special Operations Forces in the Balkan and Mediterranean regions, and the enhancement of Greek operational capabilities in multiple domains. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Therese Prats)

Greece is set to deepen its involvement in international military operations by joining the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM Mozambique).

Hellenic armed forces commandos from the Special Warfare Command are slated to take on critical roles in the mission, which is scheduled to begin on September 1 and run until June 30, 2026.

The mission marks an expansion of the European Union’s military efforts in Mozambique, following the European Council‘s decision last May to extend the operation’s duration and increase its budget to 14 million euros. The strategic objectives of the mission have also been revised to address the evolving security situation in the region, transitioning the initiative from its original scope as a training mission (European Union Training Mission in Mozambique) to a more comprehensive military assistance mission.

Greek military personnel, in collaboration with other European forces, will provide essential advice, guidance, and specialized training to Mozambique’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF) units. This participation underscores Greece’s commitment to strengthening its international military presence and showcases the operational capabilities of its Special Warfare Command on both European and global stages.

In 2022, the European Union provided additional support to the Mozambican military in the tune of €45 million, and this will include equipment, supplies and training. This additional support brings overall EPF support for Mozambique to €89 million in total.

Greece has been active in Mozambique since 2021, as one of nine EU member states contributing to efforts aimed at protecting civilians and restoring security in the conflict-affected Cabo Delgado province. The involvement of Greek commandos in this enhanced mission reflects the country’s strategic interest in playing a more prominent role in global military operations.

The EUTM is training Mozambican military personnel, in March 2022, it completed the training of two Mozambican military companies; both drawn from the Army and Navy formations.

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