Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas has reaffirmed that the primary goal of the defence ministry is the modernisation of the National Guard and the enhancement of its operational readiness.

He was speaking on Thursday during the final phase of the military exercise ‘Iris 2024’ at the Kalo Chorio firing range in Larnaca.

Palmas also sought to reassure allied countries that “the Republic of Cyprus will continue to serve as a stable, reliable, and trustworthy partner in a region affected by intense conflicts with severe consequences”.

Palmas then stressed that the military exercise demonstrated the result of intensive training and a relentless effort by all involved.

“Today, we send a clear message of our determination to defend our national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he stated.

Palmas further emphasised the high level of professionalism and morale among the personnel of the armed forces, stating that the exercise once again confirmed the National Guard’s role as a key deterrent “against any external threats and a capable defender of Cyprus’ sovereign rights”.

“The defence ministry is fully committed to strengthening the country’s defence capabilities and enhancing the operational capacity of the National Guard.

“Modernising the National Guard and improving its operational readiness remains our top priority,” he said.

Furthermore, he also underlined the need to continue enhancing Cyprus’ military capabilities by implementing the ministry equipment programme and operational plan.

Palmas then thanked the defence attachés from allied countries who attended the exercise and reiterated the country’s commitment to deepening existing defence collaborations and establishing new partnerships with regional, European and other nations.

“These collaborations aim to address common threats, promote peaceful coexistence, enhance security, and ensure mutual support at both the regional and international levels,” he said.

The minister concluded by congratulating the National Guard leadership, the personnel involved in the exercise, and all participants, wishing them “strength in their demanding tasks and encouraging them to continue with the same determination”.

Echoing Palmas, National Guard chief, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, said that while the National Guard remains committed to its mission and prepared to confront the enemy occupying territory of the Republic of Cyprus, it is also strengthening regional defence collaborations.

“This, he said, contributes to maintaining peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond,” he said.

He then explained that the ‘Iris 2024’ exercise, which also featured the participation of two Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jets for the first time since 2019, marked the culmination of a series of drills and activities that began on October 8.

“These exercises tested various scenarios with a particular focus on night combat, successfully demonstrating some of the National Guard’s capabilities.

“The high level of training of our personnel was proven in practice, through the accuracy of actions, discipline, and effectiveness of fire, confirming our absolute ability to meet the demands of the modern battlefield,” Tsitsikostas said.

He added that the successful execution of the exercise “demonstrated the National Guard’s capacity to respond to any challenge with its current personnel and equipment, which, thanks to continuous efforts and support from the political leadership, are maintained at high levels of readiness”.

Tsitsikostas also praised the recruitment of new personnel, the continuous training, the acquisition of new weapons systems, and the ongoing upgrade of collaborations and joint training with the armed forces of other nations.

“This ensures a promising future for the National Guard as a strong deterrent force and a key tool for achieving the political and military objectives of the Republic of Cyprus, making it a reliable factor for security and stability in the region.

“Security threats and challenges in the region are constantly increasing and stressed that cooperation with friendly nations is essential to becoming stronger, with power derived from unity and collective action,” Tsitsikostas said.

The final phase of the exercise was also attended by members of the House defence committee, the director general of the defence ministry, and representatives from state agencies and local authorities.