The National Guard’s new Israeli-made BARAK MX air defence system will be presented to the public for the first time during the military parade marking the anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus’ Independence on October 1.
Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas confirmed that the system will feature in the parade, saying an “upgraded parade” will be held to mark Independence Day. The BARAK MX is one of the National Guard’s most significant recent acquisitions and a key component in the upgrade of Cyprus’ air defence capabilities.
Greece will be represented by National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, while a contingent of the Egyptian Armed Forces is also expected to participate in the parade, alongside units from other allied countries.
The system’s public presentation at the parade follows the National Guard’s first official release of footage featuring the BARAK MX.
As part of an event marking Armed Forces Day, the National Guard General Staff released audiovisual material for the first time showing the BARAK MX systems that have been incorporated into the Air Force Command. The acquisition from Israel had been carried out under conditions of heightened secrecy.
Multi-layered air defence with a range of up to 150 kilometres
The BARAK MX, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is an integrated air and missile defence system. Its architecture allows it to use different types of interceptors, with ranges extending from 15 to 150 kilometres, depending on the type of missile and the threat it is intended to counter.
The system is designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), guided weapons, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles. Its configuration can include a command-and-control centre, multi-mission radar and mobile launchers.
The powerful ELM-2084 radar
A key component of the BARAK architecture is the ELM-2084 Multi-Mission Radar (MMR), developed by ELTA Systems, a subsidiary of IAI. It is a mobile AESA radar designed for aerial surveillance, early warning and engagement support.
The MMR’s range can reach 475 kilometres when operating with 360-degree coverage, while in a fixed search sector it can reach up to 650 kilometres. The actual detection range depends on several factors, including the target’s radar signature and altitude, geography and operating conditions.
Cyprus–Greece–Egypt trilateral meeting in Cairo
The trilateral meeting of the Defence Ministers of Cyprus, Greece and Egypt in Cairo also forms part of the broader framework of strengthened defence cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The participation of an Egyptian military contingent in the October 1 parade adds further symbolism to the relationship between the three countries.
