The Paphos base is also open today. See photos from the ceremony.

On Sunday, celebrations honoring Archangel Michael, the patron saint of military aviation, were held at Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos. Minister of Defense Vasilis Palmas attended the ceremony. An aircraft display followed the official ceremony.

Residents and aviation enthusiasts also visited the base, sharing their stories on social media. Those who missed Sunday still have a chance: today, Monday, November 9th, a tour is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Celebrations and shows at the air base

The commemorations began with a service. The commander of the National Guard Aviation, Brigadier General Georgios Alexandrou, then spoke about operational readiness, equipment modernization, and the memory of the fallen pilots.

He emphasized the importance of new air defense systems, attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and radars. He pointed out that the development of these capabilities will strengthen defense capabilities and the effectiveness of responding to threats.

He dedicated part of his speech to the airmen who lost their lives while serving and their families. He described continuing their work as the responsibility of the current generation of servicemen.

Declaration regarding own combat aircraft

Alexandrou also spoke about the country's readiness to further develop its aviation capabilities, including acquiring its own combat aircraft. He emphasized the island's strategic location and the need for a quick and effective response.

However, no order for specific machines was announced. The type, quantity, price, or delivery schedule were not disclosed during the ceremony. The commander's statement was a declaration of future capabilities, not information about a signed contract.

He also stressed the importance of modernizing the equipment already in the National Guard's inventory and implementing further armaments programs.

Today the base is open from 10:00 to 16:00

Monday, November 9, is the second day the base is open to visitors. On Sunday, the public could enter from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., while A longer tour is planned today — from 10:00 to 16:00.

The open day program included presentations of aircraft, equipment and weapon systems, air shows and an exhibition with the participation of modelers and aviation clubs.

Specific times for individual shows haven't been announced. It's worth arriving early rather than waiting until the last few minutes before closing.

For those who missed the base on Sunday, today's opening remains an opportunity to see military equipment up close. The tour ends at 16:00.