Cyprus strengthens military ties in Crete with key partners in MEDUSA-13/2024

The multinational aeronautical exercise "MEDUSA-13/2024" took place in the maritime area of Crete from 11 to 20 October 2024, with the participation of aeronautical assets and Special Operations Units from Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, France and Saudi Arabia.

The National Guard participated with the IOANNIDES High Seas Patrol Boat and a Special Operations Group, said a statement by the NG General Staff.

It is added that on Saturday, October 19, the final phase of the exercise was held simultaneously with the Distinguished Visitors Day (DV-Day), which was attended by the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, and the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Houpis, the Chief of the Armed Forces of Egypt Lieutenant General Ahmed Fathy Ibrahim Khalifa, the Commander of the French Naval Forces in the Mediterranean (CECMED) Vice Admiral Christophe Lucas and the Commander of the Western Fleet of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Rear Admiral Mansour Alijuaid.

As stated, guests attended the activities at sea, on board the Greek Navy frigate KOUNTOURIOTIS. During the exercise, operational scenarios were executed, which included, among others, naval boarding, amphibious landing, as well as mock air attacks by attack helicopters and fighter aircraft.

The exercise contributed to enhancing interoperability and cooperation between the Armed Forces of the participating countries at operational and tactical levels, as well as the ability to coordinate joint actions by planning and conducting a wide range of aeronautical operations, contributing to the common goal of security and stability in the Greater Horn of Africa region, the statement concluded.