The new Airbus H145M helicopters that were brought to Cyprus will upgrade the National Guard’s operational capability, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Friday, at a ceremony to mark their arrival.

Palmas said the same type of helicopters are being used by modern armies, such as those of Germany, Hungary, Belgium, Ireland and the United States.

He added that more than 500 helicopters of the Airbus family are currently in operational service, with over 8 million flight hours, something which he said proves the reliability, availability and efficiency of the aircraft.

Referring to the helicopter specifications, Palmas said they are designed to adapt and operate in the modern operational environment and with “remarkable ease” can be converted from a light attack helicopter to a platform for special operations, offering the National Guard a powerful force multiplier.

The helicopter’s ability to integrate into network-centric operations, through cooperation with manned and unmanned assets, enhancing tactical and operational awareness, as well as its response capability, were of “particular importance”, he added.

Recognising that today’s battlefield is not only conventional but also networked, multi-domain and hybrid, the Republic of Cyprus continues to invest in assets that respond to the new environment that is emerging, Palmas said.

The new helicopter, he added, is a multi-purpose digital tool, adapted to the requirements of the 21st century.

Furthermore, Palmas said the modernisation of the Air Command with the new helicopters was not an isolated event, but part of a broader strategic framework, which included the continuous upgrading of the National Guard’s equipment and operational capabilities, the training of personnel in new systems in the modern battlefield and the active participation of Cyprus in operational exercises in cooperation with modern friendly forces.

“Strengthening defence is fundamental to the security of our country and a guarantee for the progress and prosperity of our people,” Palmas added.