In the middle sixties, the NATO Advisory Group of Aeronautical Research and Development (AGARD) was tasked to prepare a study for finding out and establishing a Guided Missile Range in Europe. After an extensive examination and relative study of all the proposed regions, the Akrotiri area next to Souda Bay of Crete was finally selected as the most suitable place for the following reasons:
- The orientation, the general lay-out and the size of the area, allow the utilization of the maximum range of the Weapon Systems.
- The Air and the Naval Bases in the area (Chania Airport and Souda Harbor) facilitate the access to NAMFI’s Launching area.
- The good meteorological conditions allow the operation throughout the year
The period 1964 – 1968 NAMFI was constructed at Akrotiri area Chania Crete using NATO funds and based on the terms of its “Multilateral Agreement” which was signed by Belgium, France, W. Germany, Denmark, Greece, Norway, The Netherlands and USA in 1964. This agreement determines the legal status, its utilization, operation and other basic issues of NAMFI.
Since then NAMFI continues to operate up-to-day.
Today it is used on a permanent basis by four (4) countries: Belgium, Germany, Greece and The Netherlands, which are called USERS.
NAMFI is considered to be as one of the most significant Training-Centers of NATO.
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