According to a Sigma report, the “iron dome” is now in Cyprus. Reliable and verified information reveals that the first batch of the advanced air defense system, a variation of the “iron dome” adapted for Cyprus, has been delivered to the National Guard and is already operational.
Additional shipments are expected in the coming period to complete and establish Cyprus’ new air defense umbrella.
In October 2021, under the Anastasiades government, Sigma was the first to report on Cyprus’ advanced negotiations with Israel to acquire a customised version of the “iron dome” tailored to the needs of the National Guard. These negotiations encountered various difficulties and obstacles, but the effort is now progressing and nearing completion under the current Christodoulides administration.
The air defense shield, a critical defensive tool for Israel seen intercepting Hamas rockets in numerous videos from the Middle East conflict, is now part of Cyprus’ arsenal. Once all deliveries are complete, this air defense system, costing hundreds of millions of euros, will be capable of intercepting a wide range of threats, from hostile fighter aircraft to missiles and projectiles.
Future plans include integrating additional systems to enhance the capability of intercepting drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Moreover, the new air defense system in Cyprus will be fully compatible with the “iron dome” being jointly developed by Greece and Israel. According to Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, Greece’s air defense system is expected to be operational within two and a half to three years, creating a unified air defense umbrella spanning Cyprus, Crete, and the entire Aegean.
About a month ago, Minister Dendias presented this new air defense umbrella to the Hellenic Parliament, accompanied by a map showing its coverage range. While the map did not explicitly display Cyprus’ inclusion, a reliable source told Sigma that when questioned by a Greek MP about the system’s reach extending to Cyprus, Dendias confirmed it and mentioned ongoing discussions with the Cypriot government on the matter.
Simultaneously, around Christmas, Cyprus is expected to receive the first of six French Airbus H145M attack helicopters, replacing the 11 Russian Mi-35 helicopters sold to Serbia.
Speaking on Mesimeri kai kati, Kyriakos Penintaex stated that Sigma, for obvious reasons, did not disclose the specific variant of the “iron dome” received by the National Guard. However, it can now be revealed that the system is the BARAK MX ground-to-air missile system, capable of covering medium to long ranges.
