The October 1 parade in Cyprus will feature foreign military contingents and aircraft this year as part of celebrations marking the 66th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus.
The parade will begin at 11:00am on Iosif Hadjiosif Avenue, with motorised and marching units as well as aircraft from the National Guard, Cyprus Police, Fire Service, Civil Defence, Forestry Department and Health Services.
Christodoulides to receive the salute
President Nikos Christodoulides will receive the military salute alongside Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, National Guard Chief Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou and Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff General Dimitrios Houpis.
The parade will be attended by foreign ambassadors, defence attachés and other officials, as well as members of the public.
The event will begin with a 21-gun salute.
Foreign troops to take part for first time
A notable feature this year will be the participation of foreign military contingents in the parade for the first time.
The UK Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, will attend, along with representatives of the armed forces of Egypt, France and the United States.
Marine contingents from Egypt, the UK, France and the US will participate in the parade.
US Marines and Greek F-16 Vipers
US Marines from the destroyer USS Roosevelt will take part in the parade, representing the United States Armed Forces.
Greece will also have a prominent presence, with modern F-16 Viper fighter aircraft expected to take part in the celebrations.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the participation of foreign military forces reflects the high level of cooperation developed and strengthened in recent years between the Republic of Cyprus and the participating countries.
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