Christos Pieris, spokesman for Cyprus’s Ministry of Defence, spoke about the National Guard and its new weapons on Sigma TV.
The spokesman for the ministry of defence discussed the island’s air defence, upcoming armaments and the upgrades to the ports of Larnaca and Limassol, as well as the base in Mari.
“We see the National Guard’s needs and prioritize them in order to equip the National Guard to be a capable deterrent force in the face of any threat. From there and beyond, the Ministry of Defense considers and analyzes various weapons systems that, when combined with current weapons systems, will allow us to cover the entire island by air defence means”
Mr. Pierris said that Cyprus already has very strong anti-aircraft systems but that they need more, and that the Cypriot Ministry of Defense is very close to making a decision, but that he couldn’t say more details.
“We have to make certain that the thoughts and studies are completed in order to take advantage of every last cent that the Cypriot people have for the National Guard in the best possible way,” he emphasized.
When asked about the ports of Larnaca and Limassol, he said
“Following proposals from the Ministry of Defense, these two ports require some upgrading. A study is being conducted for the military base in Mari, which will be completed and reviewed by the government.
As you are aware, we have welcomed and helped friendly countries with our facilities in recent years, such as France, which visits us every year with the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and will do so again this year at some point in the coming months. We need to make some improvements so that we can welcome and serve guests “Christos Pieris stated.
Check our article about the BUK anti-aircraft systems that Cyprus also have HERE