The Cyprus Police, in the context of the prevention and fight against organised crime and terrorism, is implementing a project entitled “Measures to Suppress Crime and Terrorism,” with the involvement of the Mobile Immediate Action Unit (M.M.A.D.). 

The main goal of the project is to strengthen the operational capabilities of the members of M.M.A.D. and its units in order to effectively prevent and combat terrorist or other criminal acts against the state and citizens.

The project is carried out within the framework of the Homeland Security Fund, with the co-financing of the European Union and the Republic of Cyprus, and has a total budget of 2,645,826.93 euros. It is based on the Cyprus National Strategy for Countering Terrorism, which was approved by the Council of Ministers in October 2014. 

The priorities of this strategy include the prevention of terrorist attacks, the protection of potential targets and critical infrastructure, the effective prosecution of wrongdoers, and the prompt response to potential terrorist incidents.

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The increasing criminality, which includes acts of terrorism, illegal immigration, and drug trafficking, is dramatically affecting the global community, including Cyprus. 

In this context, the project aims to address these challenges through specific actions aligned with the action plan of the Chief of Police and the strategic priorities of the National and European Internal Security Policy.

The actions foreseen include the purchase of specialised means of transport, such as armoured vehicles, van-type vehicles, and double-cabin vehicles, for the transport of members of the M.M.A.D. and police dogs. 

In addition, specialised equipment will be purchased, such as intercom systems, thermal monitoring, binoculars with a rangefinder, and night vision, which will serve the Assault team, the snipers of the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad (A.A.O.), and the Anti-Poaching Squad of the M .M.A.D.

The project is part of specific objective 3 (SO3)—Preventing and Combating Crime—of the Homeland Security Fund 2021-2027. The implementation of the measures is expected to significantly contribute to improving security in Cyprus,