The clock reads 11 a.m., and the Greek Air Force’s “Eagles” are “tearing through” the skies over Nicosia.
The F-16 Vipers, which have been stationed in Paphos since last March, providing air cover for Cypriot territory, will once again make a powerful appearance at this year’s October 1 military parade.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Above Joseph X Joseph Avenue, two flyovers were conducted by pairs of Greek F-16 fighter jets, as well as by the Egyptian helicopter that will participate in the grand parade the day after tomorrow.
READ ALSO: These roads will be closed for the October 1 parade—times and all the details
It is a CN-295 transport aircraft of the Egyptian Air Force, which will serve as the flagship of Cairo’s participation in the Independence Day celebrations.
The National Guard’s H145M attack helicopters are also flying low over Nicosia, gazing at the ridges of the Pentadaktylos mountain range.
An impressive scene
The test flights were part of the dress rehearsal for the parade that took place this morning on Joseph X Joseph Avenue, coordinated by the Chief of the National Guard Emmanuel Theodorou.
Exclusive footage from Alpha captures, frame by frame, the feverish preparations to ensure everything is ready for the big day. A striking feature of this year’s upgraded celebration setup will be the two large pillars bearing the emblem of the Republic of Cyprus.
READ ALSO: F-16 Viper in the skies over Nicosia: This is why they’re conducting low-altitude flights
Among the parade’s new features will be the installation of a giant screen opposite the VIP stand.
“This parade will be elevated both politically and militarily. Our statehood is our strongest asset, and therefore we must honor it as it deserves.”
Vasilis Palmas – Minister of Defense
New Acquisitions
The public will have the opportunity to see the National Guard’s new acquisitions up close for the first time, with the Republic of Cyprus’s air defense system, BARAK MX, leading the way.
“For as long as this instability persists in the region where Cyprus is located, this system remains installed and on high alert, ready to be activated should any aerial threat arise.”
Vasilis Palmas – Minister of Defense
Also on display for the first time will be the Cypriot-made FPV and H-10 Poseidon unmanned aerial systems, as well as the Navy’s unmanned surface vessel.
Marines
The participation of U.S. Marines from the destroyer Roosevelt is expected to be conveyed by the participation of U.S. Marines from the destroyer Roosevelt, Marines from the French Armed Forces, and units from the British and Egyptian Armed Forces.
Whether or not the Royal Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoon, based in Akrotiri, will participate remains a last-minute surprise.
Warplanes in Larnaca
As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the Navy Command’s open-sea patrol vessel IOANNIDIS and the Greek Navy’s frigate NIKIFOROS FOKAS, which will be docked at the Port of Larnaca.
Watch the report by Christoforos Nestoros:
