Cyprus to Exchange Russian Weapons With Trendy, Western Tools

Cyprus is embarking on a five-year navy modernization drive to switch its Russian-made weapon programs with trendy tools from the West.

The nation had been beneath arms embargo by Western nations because the Nineteen Sixties, leading to heavy reliance on Moscow-manufactured navy weapons and tools.

Nevertheless, the US just lately lifted the arms embargo on Nicosia, affirming that it might buy US-made weapons for its armed forces.

In line with Cyprus Nationwide Guard Chief Demokritos Zervakis, the choice to decommission Russian arms programs in its stock was fueled by the continuing battle in Ukraine.

He mentioned sustaining the tools has been troublesome due to the sanctions imposed on Moscow.

Modernization Underway

As a part of the modernization, the Cypriot authorities introduced that it has positioned an order for a dozen H145M-type gentle assault and transport helicopters from Airbus.

They’ll exchange their present Russian choppers operated by the Nationwide Guard.

The nation’s protection ministry additionally authorized the buy of an Israeli-made Iron Dome air protection system to counter the specter of Turkish drones.

In line with a Kathimerini report, the deal solely contains an anti-drone protection that works with Nicosia’s Russian-made Tor-M1 and Buk-M1 air protection programs.