The Tamnava multiple rocket launcher—a system procured by the National Guard from Serbia—was presented for the first time during today’s military parade.
This is a modern weapons system that arrived in Cyprus recently under utmost secrecy. It is self-propelled with a modular design, allowing it to operate with two calibres of rockets: 122mm (Grad-type) and 262mm.
It has been developed and manufactured by the Serbian company Yugoimport, which also produces the NORA B-52 self-propelled howitzers.
The rearmament efforts by the National Guard General Staff demonstrate that the National Guard is now entering a new era and pivoting towards modern solutions that provide speed, flexibility, and accuracy. In recent years, the National Guard has entered a period of modernisation, with a clear orientation towards Western and NATO standards. This change does not just concern weaponry, but the overall philosophy, structure, and image of the armed forces.
The new H145M helicopters, which flew in a formation of three over the parade, were also presented for the first time. It is worth noting that Cyprus will procure six helicopters of this type, with the option to acquire another six in the future.
This particular helicopter can be equipped with stations for machine guns, rocket launchers (guided and unguided), as well as anti-tank weapons such as the SPIKE ER2 missiles, which the National Guard procured and presented last year.
We also saw new equipment in the Police ranks, with a new VAMTAK type vehicle, which is a rapid-deployment scaling system for counter-terrorism and rescue operations (hostage situations, etc.). It is Spanish-made and will serve the needs of the Special Counter-Terrorism Unit (EAO).
The National Guard has also acquired other systems, such as the BARAK MX air defence system, as well as AKERON anti-tank missiles on SHERPA-type vehicles, which were not presented today. These are guided missiles with target acquisition and engagement capabilities Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS).
As the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, stated after the military parade, “Today we saw some of the new—not all—armament programmes that the Republic of Cyprus has acquired recently. This effort continues and will be further strengthened by utilising the tools offered by the EU, leveraging the cooperation we have with strategic partners, such as the US, while at the same time upgrading the infrastructure of the Republic of Cyprus.”
In the same vein, the Minister of Defence, Vasillis Palmas, said that “we will continue to make every possible effort to strengthen our defence, upgrading its operational capabilities and deterrent power. We remain firmly committed to the modernisation of the Armed Forces, so that they can, on the one hand, adequately and effectively respond to contemporary multi-level challenges, and on the other, continue to constitute a pillar of cooperation and stability as well as a reliable partner in the region.”
