The appearance of Greek F-16 Viper fighter jets in the skies over Nicosia stirred emotions at the military parade for the 66th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus. The parade is taking place today with full ceremony in the capital. Attention is focused on the National Guard's new weapons systems, the flypasts of fighter jets and helicopters, and the presence of military contingents from five countries.
Greek fighter jets over the capital
The Hellenic Air Force jets flew over the capital, drawing the gaze of those gathered on Iosif Hadjiiosif Avenue for the 1 October parade. Their presence was one of the most impressive moments of this year's parade, which featured marching and mechanised units as well as a display of National Guard weapons systems.
The F-16 Vipers are the most modern upgraded version of the F-16s operated by the Hellenic Air Force. They are equipped with an advanced AESA radar, a new mission computer and upgraded communications systems, and they can exchange data with other assets in real time. The upgrade significantly enhances their ability to detect and track targets, as well as the pilot's picture of the operational theatre.
Contingents from five countries
The presence of foreign armed forces at the parade is also strong this year.
US Marines and sailors from the destroyer USS Roosevelt are marching on behalf of the United States Armed Forces, and a contingent of French Marines is also in Nicosia. A contingent of the British Armed Forces and a contingent of the military police of the Egyptian Armed Forces are also taking part. Together with Greece, this gives this year's anniversary a strong international military footprint.
The National Guard's FPV drones
The National Guard's development of capabilities in small FPV unmanned aerial systems is also attracting particular interest.
Three specially configured vehicles are being presented today:
- The first is designed to transport and provide operational support for FPV systems. These can be used for intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions.
- The second can also transport and support FPV systems, and carries a command and control station.
- The third operates as a mobile workshop for producing small FPV unmanned aerial systems.
In essence, this is a mobile technical and production facility that can carry the equipment needed to build and support the systems, even in an operational environment. This capability is linked to the National Guard's production workshop, which has been fully operational since July.
