Cyprus to Debut Israeli‑Made Barak MX Air Defence System at Independence Day Parade

Cyprus will publicly unveil its new Barak MX air‑defence system during the October 1 Independence Day parade, a first‑time display that signals a major upgrade of the National Guard’s capabilities. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas confirmed the event, noting that the parade will feature contingents from Greece and Egypt, as well as other allied forces. Ahead of the ceremony, Palmas will travel to Cairo for a trilateral meeting with Greek and Egyptian defence ministers to review joint exercises and training. He also warned of rising Turkish incursions into the Nicosia flight information region and reiterated Cyprus’s readiness to respond. Palmas said that renewing the arms embargo for another year would enable the modernization of the Andreas Papandreou air base in Paphos and the purchase of 40 Hummer military vehicles, projects already underway under existing agreements.