The multinational exercise of Civil-Military Cooperation “ARGONAFTIS 2022” takes place from May 16-20, 2022 in the sea, air, and land area of ​​the Republic of Cyprus.

The exercise, which was postponed in the preceding two years due to the pandemic, is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, the Civil Defence Force, and the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC), while it has been planned and coordinated by the National Guard General Staff (GEEF). Furthermore, government agencies and services participate in various phases of the exercise. 

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the Republic of Cyprus, Greece, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Egypt, the United States, and Israel are participating in this year’s exercise.

Our flagship Multinational civ-mil Exercise "ARGONAUT" resumes this week after a two year hiatus due to #covid19.

From the 16-20 May we will once again welcome many partner countries from around the world focussing on emergency preparedness, crisis management & resilience. pic.twitter.com/zF0IJHYNhj

— Ministry of Defence (@DefenceCyprus) May 15, 2022

As part of the exercise, the Special National Plans “ESTIA” and “TEFKROS” will be implemented, which concern the reception of civilians from neighboring areas as well as the response to Search & Rescue incidents within the area of ​​responsibility of the Republic of Cyprus.

The first phase of the exercise will take place from May 16-20, 2022, and will concern an exercise of the states participating in the informal group of NEO CG (Non-combatant Evacuation Operations Coordination Group) for the implementation of the evacuation process of civilians from a neighboring crisis country and their repatriation.

The 2nd phase (May 17-19), which will be executed for the first time, includes the implementation of the “ESTIA” National Plan, whose scenario focuses on civilians’ evacuation from the crisis area. This phase will take place at the Limassol port.

The 3rd phase of the exercise, which will be conducted as part of the Distinguished Visitors’ Day (DV Day), will take place on May 20 in the sea area of ​​Southern Cyprus and concerns the implementation of the “TEFKROS” National Plan, whose scenario focuses on dealing with a serious maritime accident. 

This phase will be attended by distinguished visitors, diplomats, and observers from abroad at the “ZENON” Coordination Center.

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