In utilizing the European SAFE program, the implementation of the multi-year procurement program, and the upgrading of the Republic of Cyprus’s defense capabilities, on Thursday, while speaking during the final phase of the Post-Mobilization Tactical Exercise (TAMS) “IRIS-2026.”
The Minister noted that maintaining a high level of defense and deterrence capability is a fundamental prerequisite for fulfilling the National Guard’s mission and ensuring the security of the Republic of Cyprus.
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As he said, every military exercise is an opportunity for further training of personnel, but also a tool for assessing discipline, operational readiness, the effectiveness of procedures, and coordination between different departments and units.
He explained that through this process, conclusions are drawn, existing procedures are tested in practice, weaknesses are identified, and necessary improvements are implemented, with the aim of continuously strengthening defensive and deterrent capabilities.
Mr. Palmas noted that, since its establishment, the National Guard has been a cornerstone in the defense of the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
Referring to the international security environment, he noted that it is becoming increasingly complex, with the result that the Republic of Cyprus is consistently moving forward with a substantial upgrade of its operational capabilities.
In this context, he stated that the multi-year defense procurement program is being implemented, which involves modernizing existing systems and investing in the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment to strengthen operational capabilities in critical areas.
At the same time, he noted that the Republic of Cyprus intends to take full advantage of the European Union’s SAFE program, while also seeking to extend its benefits to the domestic defense industry.
According to the Minister, as part of efforts to strengthen defense diplomacy, new defense partnerships are being established and existing ones are being deepened with countries in the region and key international actors. At the same time, the decision to upgrade naval and air force infrastructure is being implemented.
Mr. Palmas noted that human resources are at the top of the Ministry of Defense’s priorities. As he explained, investments are being made in the education and vocational training of personnel, while measures are being taken to support their professional advancement and career development.
He made special mention of the steps taken to upgrade the system of Contract Enlisted Personnel, as well as to the recent approval by the Council of Ministers of the recruitment of 400 Contract Non-Commissioned Officers, who are drawn from the ranks of Contract Enlisted Personnel.
The Minister linked the strengthening of defense to the unique circumstances facing the Republic of Cyprus, 52 years after the Turkish invasion and in light of the ongoing Turkish occupation.
In his own address, the Commander of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou, stated that the National Guard is entering a new era, one based on four key pillars: the modernization of equipment and infrastructure, the adoption of modern, innovative practices, the enhancement of survivability through the undergrounding of infrastructure and operations, and the training of personnel in a modern and realistic manner.
She noted that, in response to the political leadership’s commitment to integrating modern practices into the National Guard’s operational activities, the exercise included, for the first time in this type of training, unmanned aerial vehicles and drone countermeasure systems.
As he noted, these are assets that are being used extensively in the conflicts unfolding around Cyprus. Some are manufactured in Cyprus by domestic companies, while others are developed by National Guard personnel in a model workshop that began operations a few months ago, he said.
The Commander of the National Guard also referred to the combined use of unmanned systems with the Greek Air Force’s F-16 aircraft, the new H-145 helicopters, special forces, artillery, mortars, tanks, and infantry.
As he noted, the deployment of these assets provided a glimpse of the modern battlefield and the level of operations conducted there.
