The National Guard is set to display newly acquired H145M helicopters and advanced weapon systems at Wednesday’s Independence Day parade in Nicosia.
The H145M helicopters, delivered in May to the Andreas Papandreou air base in Paphos, are expected to conduct flypasts over the capital. The aircraft represent the latest technology in their category and are considered top-tier military helicopters.
The helicopters have already performed training flights over Nicosia in recent days in preparation for the parade.
French AKERON missiles may appear on Sherpa vehicles
Military sources estimate that French-made AKERON guided missiles mounted on Sherpa armoured vehicles may also appear in the parade. The AKERON system features Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) targeting and engagement capabilities, allowing operators to strike targets beyond visual range.
The Republic of Cyprus signed a contract with French manufacturer Arquus for the procurement of 12 Sherpa armoured vehicles in May during the DEFEA international defence exhibition in Athens.
Barak MX air defence system unlikely to participate
Despite reports confirming that Cyprus has procured and received the Israeli-made Barak MX air defence system, the advanced anti-aircraft platform is not expected to appear in the Nicosia parade.
The National Guard first publicly displayed Israeli SPIKE LR2 missiles during last year’s independence day parade, marking their initial appearance in the Cypriot armed forces’ inventory.
