Limassol firm Swarmly designs and builds uncrewed aerial vehicles since 2018. Petros Savvides on “Mesimeri kai Kati” detailed unreported but significant exports operating with Ukrainian Armed Forces against Russia.
These Cypriot non-weaponised drones fly four hours with batteries, reach 50km from control station, weigh 25kg and carry electro-optical/thermal observation systems.
National Guard integration
Drones inclusion in Cypriot National Guard artillery proves vital, replacing traditional binocular/map observers now obsolete in modern warfare. Drones fly 50km deep for four hours, instantly relaying enemy coordinates.
Target engagement becomes near-instantaneous and automated, eliminating delays. Savvides clarified surveillance role: battlefield monitoring, target detection and designation.
Trained personnel operate systems; Monday’s ceremony donated full setup – wheeled control vehicle plus two drones.
Defence funding and challenges
SAFE involvement adds €220 million beyond €170-180 million defence budget request, totalling over €400 million – substantial yet insufficient. Savvides decried 2016 strategic service cut as criminal, necessitating contract soldiers for viability.
Swarmly remains private, shareholder-funded, voluntarily aiding National Guard last 3-4 years without payment for testing in live-fire corrections.
Defence industry growth
Multiple firms operate in defence sector; focus shifts from experimentation to production. Swarmly advances Cyprus capabilities in high-demand surveillance systems.
Also read: Cyprus National Guard drones boost artillery precision
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