The defence ministry is hard at work on modernisation and strengthening of the National Guard, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Friday at the Stylianos Kalbourtzis camp in Delikipos during a ceremony celebrating the patron saint of the air force, Archangel Michael.
Palmas outlined the ministry’s objectives “to enhance the capabilities of the armed forces and upgrade deterrence measures”.
“We continue with steady steps in modernising and strengthening the National Guard so it can fulfil its mission as the primary defender of the Republic of Cyprus’ territorial integrity,” he said.
He highlighted the air force’s role in this effort, underlining its significance in intelligence gathering, close support missions, and targeting capabilities for ground and air threats with speed and precision.
“This is even more pressing given the geopolitical instability caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine and the prolonged conflict in the Middle East,” Palmas added.
He expressed his “full satisfaction with the leadership of the National Guard’s air force and all personnel for their diligent efforts to maintain a high state of readiness”.
The minister then urged air force personnel to maintain their commitment and vigilance in protecting Cyprus’ airspace.
“Remember that each effort you make strengthens the security of our homeland. Your dedication serves as the shield protecting the present and ensuring our future,” he said.
Palmas also referred to the air force’s “valuable social contribution,” citing their support in search and rescue missions, medical air transport, aerial firefighting, and humanitarian evacuations of civilians from conflict zones.
Speaking after Palmas, Air Force Command Chief Brigadier Christos Christou reiterated the objective of enhancing the air force’s combat capability.
“We must protect our homeland from any threat at all costs,” he said, stressing that effective use of personnel, weapons systems, and resources, along with high-level, realistic training, are key to achieving the necessary qualitative advantage to fulfil their mission.
“Our unwavering goal is to maintain and provide a strong, reliable, and modern deterrent air force at all times to the National Guard, with the aim of safeguarding the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus,” he concluded.
During the ceremony, attendees observed a moment of silence, listened to Cyprus’ national anthem, and watched a flyover by five helicopters from the 450 Helicopter Squadron and 460 Search and Rescue Squadron, specifically three Gazelle and two Bell 206 helicopters.
