Operation Niki

Operation Niki (Greek: Επιχείρηση Νίκη), named after the goddess Nike, was a clandestine airlift operation during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus that was carried out on 21/22 July 1974, with the aim of transporting a battalion of Greek commandos from Souda, Crete to Nicosia, Cyprus. Upon their arrival, the aircraft were engaged in friendly fire, which resulted in the loss of 33 men and the destruction of three aircraft.

Operation Niki
Part of Turkish Invasion of Cyprus

A Hellenic Air Force Noratlas on a training mission in Ellinikon International Airport, Athens, 1979
Date21/22 July 1974
Location
Result

Operation successful

  • Cypriot friendly fire downed 2 aircraft
Belligerents
 Greece
 Cyprus
 Turkey
Units involved

Hellenic Air Force

  • 354th Sqdn. "Pegasus"
  • 115 Combat Wing

Cypriot National Guard

  • Cypriot anti-aircraft 195 MEA/AP battalion

Turkish Air Force


Royal Air Force
Strength
20 Noratlas and 10 C-47 aircraft unknown
Casualties and losses
Aircraft crew + 33 Commandos Killed in action, 10 Commandos heavily Wounded in action and destruction of three aircraft. none
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