Cyprus-UK complete military training exercise (video)

Military personnel from the UK and Cyprus have concluded a joint an air defence exercise on the island, the National Guard announced on Wednesday.

The purpose of the exercise – Aphrodite Shield – was to train National Guard air defence personnel in air force deployment tactics, increase operational readiness and the level of standardisation in planning and conducting air operations.

The air defence units of the island’s air force command and aircraft of the RAF participated in the exercise.

“The exercise, which is part of the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme between Cyprus’ armed forces and the UK, is considered to be particularly beneficial, as it provides the opportunity for air defence personnel to be co-trained with corresponding units of the UK armed forces, thus promoting interoperability and the development of relations in the field of cooperation,” the National Guard said.

During the exercise, the National Guard’s air defence system as well as the self-protection system was activated and its performance in realistic conditions was evaluated against modern fighter aircraft.