The multinational NEMESIS 2026 exercise has concluded in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone, involving personnel and assets from eight countries and more than 15 government agencies of the Republic of Cyprus.
The exercise focused on emergency response scenarios linked to offshore hydrocarbon operations, maritime security and the protection of critical infrastructure.
Eight countries take part
Participating countries were:
- Cyprus
- Greece
- France
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Israel
- Italy
- Egypt
The exercise was observed from the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base in Mari by Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytiris, Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis, Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection Nicolas Ioannides, and ambassadors from participating states.
Offshore emergency scenarios tested
The exercise forms part of preparations by state agencies involved in Cyprus' energy programme to ensure readiness for emergencies linked to hydrocarbon extraction activities.
Scenarios included:
- Terrorist attacks on an offshore drilling platform
- Boarding operations on suspicious vessels
- Rescue and evacuation of injured persons
- Medical airlifts
- Mass rescue operations
- Marine pollution response
A Greek F-16 Viper fighter aircraft also conducted two flyovers during the exercise.
Coordination between agencies
Overall planning and operational coordination were undertaken by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in cooperation with:
- The Deputy Ministry of Shipping
- The National Guard
- Cyprus Police
- The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research
Focus on energy and maritime security
Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said the exercise helped evaluate operational capabilities, test existing procedures and strengthen coordination among participating agencies in responding to incidents in Cyprus' EEZ.
He said the protection of maritime areas, sovereign rights and security in the Eastern Mediterranean remains a priority for the Republic of Cyprus.
Environmental response capability
Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing environmental emergencies and protecting marine and coastal areas.
He said Cyprus is strengthening its response capabilities through investment in specialised vessels designed to tackle marine pollution caused by oil spills.
Senekis also referred to cooperation between Cyprus, Greece and Israel, noting that the CypEx 2026 exercise involved specialised personnel and maritime and aerial assets from all three countries.
Lessons to inform future planning
National Guard Commander Lieutenant General Emmanuel Theodorou said the exercise provided an opportunity to evaluate operational readiness and improve cooperation between military and civilian authorities.
George Economou, commander of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, noted that NEMESIS was being held for the eleventh time and had gained additional significance following the resumption of the drilling programme in Cyprus' EEZ.
He said lessons learned from the exercise will be used to improve national contingency plans and operational procedures.
Source: CNA
