NICOSIA: Cyprus marked the 66th anniversary of the Republic with a major military parade in Nicosia featuring Greek F-16 Vipers, the first public appearance of the Israeli-made Barak MX air defence system and military contingents from the United States, France, Britain and Egypt.
The parade on October 1 also showcased new unmanned systems being developed and operated by the Cyprus National Guard, alongside armoured vehicles, artillery and other newly introduced capabilities.
Greek F-16s over Nicosia
Two Hellenic Air Force F-16 Viper fighter jets made a low pass over Nicosia during the parade, highlighting Greece’s military presence at the Republic’s Independence Day celebrations.
The aircraft had conducted a rehearsal flight over the Cypriot capital earlier in the week ahead of Thursday’s parade.
Greece was also represented at the highest level, with Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff General Dimitrios Houpis attending alongside Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas.
Barak MX makes first public appearance
One of the major highlights was the first public display of the Barak MX air defence system, recently incorporated into the Cyprus National Guard.
The Israeli-developed system was presented alongside other new weapons and military equipment during the mechanised section of the parade.
Multiple rocket launchers, including the Tamnava, were also displayed, while the National Guard presented its Poseidon H-10 unmanned aircraft, which have been incorporated into its artillery capabilities.
Drones and unmanned systems featured prominently throughout the parade, reflecting the growing role of unmanned technology in Cyprus’ military planning.
Three specialised vehicles designed to support FPV drone operations were also presented for the first time.
Two are designed to transport and support small drones used for surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions, while another operates as a mobile workshop for the construction and technical support of unmanned aircraft.
Cypriot defence industry companies have also been involved in developing these capabilities.
The National Guard’s newly established Chemical, Biological and Radiological Threat Response Platoon also took part in the parade.
ELDYK takes part with armoured vehicles
For the first time, units of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK) participated with mechanised assets.
The Greek contingent displayed LEONIDAS armoured vehicles, Hummer vehicles equipped with KORNET-E anti-tank missiles and M-106 armoured mortar carriers.
The parade also featured commandos, reservists, naval and air force units, the National Guard, military academy cadets and personnel from the Cyprus Police, Fire Service, Civil Defence, Ambulance Service and Forestry Department.
US, French, British and Egyptian troops
Another notable feature was the participation of foreign military contingents from four countries.
The United States was represented by 17 Marines from the USS Roosevelt, while France sent a contingent of 22 Marines.
Britain participated with a military band and marching contingent, while Egypt was represented by military police personnel and an infantry contingent.
An Egyptian C-295 transport aircraft also took part in the aerial component of the celebrations.
Among the senior foreign military officials attending was the UK Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, along with representatives of the armed forces of Egypt, France and the United States.
Greek frigate in Larnaca
The Independence Day celebrations extended beyond Nicosia.
In the port of Larnaca, the Cyprus National Guard offshore patrol vessel Ioannidis was joined by the Hellenic Navy frigate HS Nikiforos Fokas.
The day’s commemorations began with a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony at the Imprisoned Graves, followed by ceremonies at the Presidential Palace and the Monument of Democracy and Resistance.
The October 1 parade once again placed Cyprus’ defence capabilities and its expanding military partnerships at the centre of the Republic’s Independence Day celebrations.
