Military parade in Nicosia. Barak MX, drones, and new missiles on the streets of the capital.

The military parade in Nicosia marked the first public presentation of some of the National Guard's new equipment. During the celebrations of the 66th anniversary of independence on Thursday, October 1, the Barak MX air defense system, drone-operating vehicles, and unmanned aerial vehicles were on display.

AKERON MP anti-tank missiles and Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles were also presented on Iosif Hadjiiosif Avenue in Strovolos. The ceremony attracted crowds, and the equipment display allowed visitors to see the directions in which the armed forces are developing: air defense, reconnaissance, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles on land and at sea.

Barak MX on parade for the first time

One of the most important presentations was Barrack MX, an Israeli air and missile defense system that, according to Philenews, has been in service with the National Guard since 2025.

The system combines radars, command posts, and interceptor launchers. Its mission is to detect, track, and defeat airborne threats, including aircraft, drones, and missiles.

The manufacturer, Israel Aerospace Industries, offers a family of missiles with various ranges — up to 15, 35, 70 and 150 kilometers. These are parameters of the available variants, not confirmation that Cyprus has every single one of them. The mere presence of a launcher at a parade does not reveal the full configuration of the purchased system.

Media descriptions often refer to it as the "Cypriot Iron Dome." However, the Barak MX is a distinct system. It's best described as a multi-layer air defense system.

Drones and mobile technical support

The parade showcased not only unmanned aerial vehicles but also vehicles designed to transport and operate them. Among them was a mobile facility for assembling, customizing, and technically supporting small FPV drones.

The abbreviation FPV stands for control using images transmitted from the device's camera. The operator observes the surroundings from the drone's perspective. Depending on the equipment, such devices can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, or combat missions.

The ability to repair and prepare equipment closer to the unit's location is also important. A mobile workshop reduces the need to return each device to a permanent facility.

Domestic defense companies are participating in the development of the presented solutions. The demonstration highlighted both the purchase of new equipment and the involvement of local industry in its operation.

Nicosia Military Parade - Full Video

The entire ceremony can be watched in a recording published on President Nikos Christodoulides' profile.

Unmanned units also at sea

The presented solutions included unmanned surface vessels. Hydra, related to the Swarmly Aero company, and Evagoras, developed by the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute.

Such platforms can be used for water surveillance, reconnaissance, and maritime infrastructure protection. Their equipment can be customized to suit specific missions.

An unmanned vessel does not automatically replace a patrol vessel or its crew. However, it can supplement naval operations, allowing some missions to be conducted without the presence of personnel on board.

AKERON MP on Sherpa vehicles

The next element of the show were French anti-tank missiles AKERON MP by MBDA, placed on Sherpa vehicles.

The system utilizes sensors that allow for day and night operation. It also supports a mode in which the operator retains control of the missile after launch via a fiber-optic connection.

The missiles are designed to engage armored vehicles and fortified positions, among other targets. Placing the launcher on a vehicle facilitates the movement of the unit and its equipment.

Exocet strengthens coastal defenses

A system using anti-ship missiles was also demonstrated on the streets of the capital. Exocet MM40 Block 3Their primary mission is to combat surface vessels at long ranges.

The missile flies low over the sea surface, making it difficult to detect. It uses navigation systems and, in the final phase of guidance, its own radar.

This year's presentation showed a clear emphasis on air defense, precision weapons, and unmanned aerial vehicles. However, not all equipment is equally new. Philenews' report also highlighted older tanks, reminding us that the National Guard's modernization remains a process spanning multiple generations of equipment.

Sources: Philenews, Israel Aerospace Industries, MBDA, President Nikos Christodoulides profile