With two Greek F-16 Vipers flying over the Cypriot capital, the new Barak MX air defence system making its first public appearance, and military contingents from four foreign countries taking part, the military parade marking the 66th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus was held in Nicosia today.

This year’s parade had a significantly enhanced character, as, in addition to the National Guard’s new weapon systems, marching contingents from the armed forces of the US, France, the United Kingdom and Egypt took part for the first time. Their participation forms part of the expansion of the defence cooperation that the Republic of Cyprus has developed with these countries in recent years.

Greek F-16s over Nicosia

A particular highlight of the parade was the low-level flypast of two F-16 Vipers of the Hellenic Air Force over the event area. The two fighter jets had conducted a test flight over Nicosia last Tuesday as part of preparations for today’s parade.

The Greek presence was also prominent on the official viewing platform. Standing alongside Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides were Cyprus Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas, Greek National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, Chief of the National Guard Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou and Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff General Dimitrios Houpis.

Barak MX makes first appearance

In the mechanised section of the parade, attention focused on the Israeli-made Barak MX, the new air defence system that has been incorporated into the National Guard’s arsenal and was presented to the public for the first time at the 1 October parade.

Tamnava multiple rocket launchers were also presented, while the Poseidon H-10 unmanned aircraft made their first appearance at the parade. The aircraft have been incorporated into the National Guard’s Artillery.

Particular emphasis was placed this year on unmanned systems. Three specially configured support vehicles for FPV drones were presented for the first time. Two are intended for the transport and operational use of small drones on surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions, while the third serves as a mobile workshop for the construction and technical support of unmanned aircraft. The Cypriot defence industry is also involved in developing these capabilities.

The newly established National Guard Chemical, Biological and Radiological Threat Response Platoon also appeared in the parade.

Mechanised presence of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus

For the first time, units of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus also took part with mechanised assets. Leonidas armoured vehicles, Hummer vehicles equipped with KORNET-E anti-tank missiles and M-106 armoured mortar carriers took part in the parade.

Commandos, reservists, units of the Naval Command and Air Force Command, the National Guard and military academy students also took part, along with units from the Police, Fire Service, Civil Defence, Ambulance Service and Department of Forests.

US and French Marines

A distinctive feature of this year’s parade was the presence of foreign military contingents.

The United States was represented by 17 Marines from the destroyer USS Roosevelt, while France was represented by a contingent of 22 Marines. The British Armed Forces took part with a military band and a marching contingent, while personnel from the Egyptian Military Police and a marching contingent took part on behalf of Egypt. Egypt’s aerial presence also included a C295 transport aircraft.

Among the senior foreign military officers who attended the parade was the Chief of the British Armed Forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, as well as representatives of the armed forces of Egypt, France and the United States.

Greek frigate in Larnaca

The anniversary events are not confined to Nicosia. The National Guard’s open-sea coastal patrol vessel Ioannidis and the Greek Navy frigate Nikiphoros Fokas are currently in the port of Larnaca.

The celebrations began in the morning with a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony at the Imprisoned Graves, followed by ceremonies at the Presidential Palace and the Monument to Democracy and Resistance.