With the modernization of its arsenal evident, the National Guard presented today at the parade for the 66th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus a series of new and advanced weapon systems. The presence of modern missile, anti-aircraft and unmanned systems reflected the significant upgrade of the Army's operational capabilities in recent years.
What is the Barak MX anti-aircraft system?
The "iron dome" of the Republic of Cyprus, which made its appearance for the first time in the parade, has been in the arsenal of the National Guard since 2025.
It is an integrated, multi-level air defense and missile defense system of Israel's Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It is designed to counter different threats, including fighter jets, UAVs, cruise missiles, rockets, and tactical ballistic missiles, while potentially engaging multiple targets simultaneously. The system combines advanced AESA radars, a command and control center and a family of interceptor missiles of different ranges, from 15 to 150 kilometers, offering 360-degree coverage.
Thanks to this system, Cyprus acquires the ability, first of all, to detect and monitor targets at very long distances and, if necessary, to proceed with their interception, significantly strengthening its anti-aircraft and anti-missile defenses. This is a possibility that did not exist in the past on a similar scale.
Officially in the era of drones with the stamp of the defense industry
Modern theatres of operations and new military tactics are now inextricably linked to the use of drones, which have become instrumental in surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and, depending on their type, targeting.
With the assistance of the domestic defense industry, the National Guard gained new capabilities in the field of unmanned systems. Drones were presented at the parade, as well as specially designed vehicles that can transport them, support them and even contribute to their construction in the field of operations. This is an approach that is also being considered by major military powers internationally, with the aim of enabling the mass and rapid production of drones of different missions during operations, so that the units gain greater self-sufficiency, flexibility and operational autonomy.
The advantages of such a possibility are particularly significant for a state like Cyprus, which has limited resources and means. The ability to rapidly produce, customize, and utilize unmanned systems can act as a power multiplier, enhancing the National Guard's flexibility and operational autonomy without requiring a corresponding increase in personnel or heavy equipment.
Unmanned vessels for the protection of the EEZ
A great international debate has provoked what Ukraine managed to achieve in the Black Sea with the use of unmanned surface craft (USV). A state without a navy succeeded in containing one of the largest fleets in the world, as a result of which it opened its sea routes, through which it exports and imports.
Cyprus has now acquired a similar capability, through the Hydra unmanned surface craft of the Cypriot company Swarmly Aero and the "EVAGORAS" of the Cyprus Institute for the Sea and Shipping (CMMI). These systems enhance the capabilities of surveillance, reconnaissance and operational presence in the maritime area, offering the National Guard another modern tool for coastal security and protection missions of critical maritime infrastructure.
These platforms have a modular design and can be configured according to operational needs, to be used in a wide range of missions, from surveillance and reconnaissance to critical infrastructure protection and naval support operations.
The new AKERON anti-tank missiles
A special place in the new equipment of the National Guard is also held by the AKERON MP anti-tank missiles of the French MBDA, which offer the ability to attack modern armored targets at distances of more than 4 kilometers. The system features advanced day and night electrooptic sensors, as well as fiber optic guidance capability, allowing the operator to maintain control of the projectile even after launch.
AKERON can be used against tanks and other armoured vehicles as well as against fortified positions, and supports different modes of attack, including overhead attack, where tank armour is usually weaker. Fitting them to Sherpa vehicles significantly increases the mobility and maneuverability of anti-tank units.
200 km naval deterrence
A significant upgrade in coastal defense capabilities is also offered by the new Exocet MM40 Block 3, French-made anti-ship missiles of MBDA. The system is designed to attack warships over long distances, with a range of more than 200 kilometers, while moving at a very low altitude above sea level, making it difficult to detect and intercept it in time.The Exocet Block 3 have inertial and satellite navigation, an active radar sensor for the final phase of the attack and the ability to plan a complex path to the target. They can also be used against coastal land targets, providing the National Guard with increased surveillance and attack capability in much of the maritime space around Cyprus.
Thousands of people at the parade
It is a fact that this year's celebrations attracted many more people than in previous years. Citizens understand the importance of upgrading the National Guard and rushed to see the new weapon systems up close. A black spot, of course, and it is commonly accepted, were for another year the obsolete tanks.
