A multinational small-scale naval cooperation exercise was held on Monday, August 17, 2026, in the sea area south of Limassol, with naval units from five countries taking part.
The exercise, named “CYPRUS ARROW”, involved the Cyprus National Guard Naval Command and was observed at sea by the National Guard leadership.
Participating vessels included the Cyprus National Guard Naval Command patrol vessel “IOANNIDIS”, the Greek frigate “NIKIFOROS FOKAS”, the US destroyer “PAUL IGNATIUS”, the Italian frigate “CARABINIERE” and the German frigate “BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG”.
Tactical manoeuvres and communications drills
During the naval exercise, participating units carried out tactical movements, advanced manoeuvres, technical drills and communications exercises.
The participating naval units also tested cooperation and coordination procedures at multinational level.
Cyprus and Italy conduct PASSEX
As part of the same activities, the National Guard Naval Command and the Italian Navy conducted a joint naval cooperation exercise known as PASSEX.
The PASSEX involved the “IOANNIDIS” and the Italian frigate “CARABINIERE”, which was operating with its onboard EH-101 helicopter.
The exercise included communications drills, procedures for identifying and verifying the identity of a suspected vessel, as well as a consensual boarding exercise.
As part of the boarding drill, teams from the two vessels carried out reciprocal boardings and implemented the prescribed inspection procedures.
The two activities form part of efforts to strengthen the operational readiness, interoperability and coordination of the National Guard with naval forces from friendly and partner countries in the region.
Also read: Cyprus steps up precautionary measures following Iran threats
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