Captain Ilias KOUPLAKIS, GRC-N was born in Athens, Greece in 1969. He is a 1993 graduate of the Hellenic Naval Academy.
He is specialised in Naval Weapons Systems, graduated from the Hellenic Navy Naval Weapons School in 1997. He is also an alumnus of the Hellenic Naval War College in 2003, Hellenic Supreme Joint War College in 2013 and Hellenic National Defence College in 2020. He is graduated as Intelligence Analyst from Joint Intelligence School and DIA Combined Strategic Intelligence Training Program. He also has MA in Applied Strategy and International Security of Plymouth University.
His operational service includes more than 13 years deployment at sea on board various surface units. Along his sea career, he served on different types of ships of the Hellenic Fleet, mainly frigates and amphibious ships, having assumed various duties and among others Bridge Watchkeeping Officer and Navigator, Surface Warfare Officer (SWO), Navigation and Naval Ship Handling Officer, Weapon Systems Officer (WSO), Executive Officer (XO), and Commanding Officer (CO). Along his career, he has participated in various national, international and allied exercises and operations. He commanded the HS KERKYRA from 2005 to 2010.
Ashore, he has served as Staff Officer in Hellenic Navy General Staff (HNGS) as Intel Analyst, Head of Intel Office and Deputy Director of Intelligence and Security Directorate and as Staff Officer in Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS) in NJOC/HNDGS as Head of Naval and INTEL Operations. He has also served as CJ2 DACOS in EU Somalia Op. ATALANTA HQ. Along his career, he was awarded with all decorations, medals, and commendations up to his rank.
Captain Ilias Kouplakis, GRC-N lives in Athens, he is married and father of two sons.
He is STRIKFORNATO's Director of Staff since August 27th, 2023.