Cyprus military showcases new missile shield for first time, with Egyptian troops and “allied nations” joining 1 October event
Authorities are set to publicly display the Israeli-made Barak MX air defence system for the first time at a military parade marking the anniversary of independence on 1 October, according to reports in Cypriot outlets SigmaLive and Alphanews.
Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas confirmed that the National Guard’s newly acquired system — described by officials as the south’s “new shield” and likened to Israel’s Iron Dome — would be shown publicly for the first time at this year’s parade. Palmas said an “elevated” parade was being planned as part of the independence day celebrations.
Greece will be represented at the event by its Defence Minister, Nikos Dendias. For the first time, the parade will also include a contingent from the Egyptian armed forces, alongside units from what were described as “allied nations.”
The National Guard integrated the Barak MX system into its Air Command after acquiring it from Israel in a deal conducted under tight secrecy.
