The first annual conference of NAMFI User Nations  (UNAC 1/2012), was held at Brussels, from 12 to 16 March  2012.  In the meeting participated 33 members, representatives  from the four User Nations, SHAPE and NAMFI.

On 7^th of March, Minister of  Hellenic National Defence Mr. Dimitrios Avramopoulos accompanied by the Chiefs of General Staffs visited Units in the broader Chania area  and among others was informed on NAMFI’s mission and capabilities, he also talked to 115 CW and NAMFI’s personnel. NAMFI’s Commander BGen Ippokratis Daskalakis hosted a lunch at NAMFI’s “Asteria” Club in honor of the Minister.

On Wednesday, March 7th 2012, The Royal Netherlands Navy conducted live missile and guns firing in NAMFI’s sea range, with the participation of frigate “De Ruyter” (F804). HNLMS “De Ruyter” is the third De Zeven Provinciën class frigate of the Royal Netherlands Navy. She was laid down in 2000, launched in 2002, and commissioned in 2004. The frigate is named after the famous Dutch admiral Michiel de Ruyter (1607–1676).

During last year NAMFI had once again, both the pleasure and the chance, to host various different firings with the participation of Ground Based Air Defense Units and NAVAL units. User Nations conducted firings with the use of the following Weapon Systems/missiles: PATRIOT, OSA-AK, HAWK, CROTALE, STINGER, TOR-M1, VELOS, MISTRAL,  OTO-MELARA,RH 20mm, RAPIER,FENEK-STINGER, EXOCET MM-38.

In total, 4846 participating personnel were trained and 169 missiles were fired (57 PATRIOT, 4 HAWK,29 CROTALE, 23 STINGER, 1 TOR-M1, 1 VELOS, 17 MISTRAL, 7 RAPIER, 17 FENEK –STINGER, 5 EXOCET MM-38, 1NNSM & 1 PENGUIN.

All the aforementioned firings were conducted against air or sea drones, accordingly, which were selected by User Nations. Complex tactical scenarios were used in order to simulate real air and sea threats. Units were trained and evaluated under realistic conditions in order to achieve their maximum tactical and operational performance.

In addition, NAMFI hosted successful ATBM firings with PATRIOT system, against a specific type of target, simulating a Tactical Ballistic Missile. ATBM firings were conducted in close cooperation with naval warships (frigates) and Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), during “RAPID ARROW 2011” Tactical Exercise.

Moreover, the transmission of recognized air picture to RAMSTEIN HQ was successfully tested, as a part of NATO’s project for ballistic missile defense in Europe. Greek

Greek Air Defense Units were trained and evaluated during National Joint Exercise “DIKEFALOS AETOS”.

Apart from its operational activities, NAMFI also hosted a number of VIPs who had the chance to watch in close some of the a.m  firings, and to be informed on NAMFI’s mission and capabilities. Among them, we would like to thank the following distinguished guests for their interest on NAMFI’s activities: The Deputy Chief of HNDGS,  NATO’s Assistant General Secretary, British and   Netherlands  Μilitary  Αttaché,  Chief of RNLAF and CHE, DCOS  OPS HQ AC RAMSTEIN, Air Force Minister of Qatar, DCOM JFC Naples and COM MC Naples and the Commander of the Maritime Component committed in Operation “Unified Protector”, Hellenic  Military Academy , Coast Guard Academy, Chania’s  Prefecture  Chief and Technical University of Crete Rector.

During the “Odyssey Dawn”  operation in Libya NAMFI hosted at its installation for a time period of 9 months more than 500 military personnel (from USA-Belgium- Norway-Qatar and Greece), who participated in the a.m. operation.

Last but not least NAMFI also participated with its own “stand” in the International Defense Exhibition  (INDEX 2011) 2011 which was held in Abu Dhabi (UAE).

NAMFI may be the unique firing range in Europe & Middle East that can cover all the needs for training and evaluation in realistic conditions of variant Units and diversity weapon systems.

It possesses significant experience in antiballistic firings and is estimated that in the future it will be used as a Training and Experimental Center for Europe’s antiballistic defense.

Moreover its location in the strategic importance island of Crete in combination with its infrastructure and the existing aeronautical facilities in the same region provide the opportunity to every User (even non User Nation - non NATO Nation) to combine the realistic training-evaluation along with:

(1)       Complete aeronautical support and logistics.

(2)       Training in Naval Maritime Interdiction Operation    Training Center (NMIOTC)

(3)       Rest and entertainment for   personnel

NAMFI can be used by every country (non User Nation – non NATO Nation) following a simple & typical schedule of activities.

The efforts of NAMFI and User Nations focus on attracting as many countries as possible, for participating in every kind of activities.

The successful accomplishment of NAMFI’s mission over the years, its unique capabilities, its multinational character, the location and the favorable weather conditions on the island of Crete, make it an attractive destination for many units each year.

On the other hand, NAMFI has become the place where people from different nationalities work together promoting mutual understanding and creating friendships.  This is more important as multinational cooperation is a key principle of our collective defense effort in the 21^st century.

Finally, there is always room and time for NAMFI, to welcome any other Country wishing to partake in its facilities.