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Cyprus\u2019 new air defense system was launched Tuesday, designed to protect the country from aerial threats, similar to Israel\u2019s Iron Dome.\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to reports, Cyprus\u2019 National Guard received the Israeli-made Barak MX system just days ago. The first battery was activated on Tuesday. Greece will follow suit.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With the completion of the order, Cyprus will gain a modern air defense shield capable of intercepting and neutralizing targets well beyond the island\u2019s borders. The system can engage threats at ranges from 2 to 150 km.<\/p>\n
Discussions between the Republic of Cyprus and the Directorate of International Defense Cooperation of the Israeli Ministry of Defense (SIBAT) were concluded in 2021, leading to the signing of the relevant contracts.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now, nearly three years later, Nicosia possesses one of the most advanced and powerful anti-aircraft systems that greatly exceeds the capabilities of S-300 long-range surface-to-air missile systems. Turkey, for the time being, is keeping silent.<\/p>\n
The Barak MX system is capable of countering a wide range of air threats, including helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, aircraft, and even ballistic missiles.<\/p>\n
Athens is following Nicosia\u2019s lead, with discussions underway with Israel for the supply of similar systems to establish a Greek anti-aircraft \u201cdome.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to reports, Greece is focusing on acquiring David\u2019s Sling and Spyder defense systems to cover medium- and long-range threats, while also working to develop its own systems and co-produce with Israel.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Greek \u201cIron Dome\u201d faces greater challenges due to Greece\u2019s geography, proximity to potential threats, and the vast area that needs to be covered by the air defense system.<\/p>\n
The civil and military leadership\u2019s plan foresees the development of a multi-layered defense system, featuring both soft-kill capabilities, such as early detection and threat identification, as well as hard-kill capabilities to intercept and neutralize airborne threats.<\/p>\n
In addition to the Israeli systems, Greece\u2019s defense framework is planned to incorporate Patriot batteries, FDI frigates with advanced anti-aircraft defenses, as well as a combination of new and existing systems that will collectively contribute to the \u201cdome.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n