Yiannis Ioannou
With full ceremonial honors and troops marching in precise formation, the Independence Day military parade concluded shortly before noon on Iosif Hadjiosif Avenue, marking 66 years since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960.
This year’s parade featured an expanded lineup, with new weapons systems and contingents from friendly foreign countries joining the celebrations.
Marching units, military vehicles and aircraft from the National Guard and Cyprus Police took part, alongside personnel from the Fire Service, Civil Defense, Forestry Department, and health services.
Barak MX and drones
Among the highlights was the National Guard’s upgraded air defense capability, represented by the Barak MX system. Added to its arsenal in 2025, the system made its first appearance at an Independence Day parade.
Also making their parade debut were Poseidon H-10 drones designed for maritime cooperation. Manufactured entirely in Cyprus and known for their use in the war in Ukraine, the drones have entered service with the National Guard’s artillery branch.
The National Guard also displayed a specially equipped vehicle serving as a mobile workshop for building first-person-view, or FPV, drones.
The artillery contingent included the Serbian-made LRSVM Tamnava multiple rocket launcher system, a recent acquisition that also appeared in last year’s parade.
Foreign troops join the march
The Greek Force in Cyprus, known as ELDYK, participated with an upgraded lineup of military vehicles.
This year also brought a substantial presence of foreign contingents, reflecting Cyprus’ international military cooperation:
- France: A 22-member contingent from the French marine troops.
- Britain: A 43-member contingent comprising 22 marching soldiers and a 21-member military band.
- United States: A contingent of 17 Marines from the destroyer USS Roosevelt.
- Egypt: Participating for the first time, an Egyptian Armed Forces contingent included 19 marching soldiers, a military police unit and flag bearers.
Another notable National Guard unit was its Chemical, Biological and Radiological Threat Response Platoon. The specialist unit uses advanced training and equipment to respond to chemical, biological and radiological threats.
Flyovers steal the show
The aerial displays were among the parade’s most striking moments, featuring aircraft from the National Guard, the Greek air force and the Egyptian air force.
The National Guard’s H145M helicopters stood out, while Greek F-16 Viper fighter jets made low passes over the parade route, drawing an enthusiastic response from spectators.
An Egyptian air force CASA C295 transport aircraft and a Cyprus Police helicopter also took part in the flyovers.
