As part of the implementation of the “Defence Military Cooperation Program” between the Republic of Cyprus and the Arab Republic of Egypt, a small-scale aeronautical Passing Exercise (PASSEX), codenamed “CYP / EGY-01/2021”, took place for the first time today southwest of Cyprus.

The objectives of the exercise were to promote interoperability and synergy as well as to strengthen the relations between the Egyptian Navy and the Naval Command of the National Guard, which undertook the planning and coordination of the bilateral aeronautical exercise.

The National Guard took part in the exercise with the Offshore Patrol Vessel “IOANNIDIS” and an AW-139 helicopter of the Navy and Air Force Commands respectively, while on the part of the Egyptian Navy, participated the Pohang class Corvette ENS “SAGM SHABAB MISR” 1000.

The exercise program included training activities, which provided a practical and substantial opportunity for the crews to utilize the operational capabilities of the air and naval means. Specifically, after the warships unification, Surface Fire with Arms of various calibers of the Warships, Formations, Tactical Movements and Progressive Maneuvers as well as Communication drills were executed.

In addition, an aeronautical cooperation scenario took place between the AW-139 helicopter of the Air Force Command and the Egyptian ENS “SAGM SHABAB MISR” corvette examining scenarios that included, inter alia, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) from an open sea vessel.  

The exercise is considered very successful, as it gave the opportunity to the Aeronautical Units of the National Guard and the Egyptian Navy to conduct and strengthen operational joint training in various areas of mutual interest.

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