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The new emblem of the Cyprus AF 450th Attack Helicopter Squadron which was published yesterday on social media bears its own special symbolism. 

The original emblem bore the motto “AIEN IPTASTHE” (i.e. “Always fly”), while the 12 gold stars symbolize the Mi35P helicopters of the Squadron (initial receipt). 

Then, the “Black Panther”, known for its skills in night attacks, symbolizes the Squadron’s operation undertaking capability, day and night.

The Squadron’s new emblem depicts Kimon (Greek: Κίμων, Kimōn), an Athenian politician and General who sailed to Cyprus in 450 BC to expel the Persians and restore the Athenian rule in the eastern Mediterranean. The numerical name of the Squadron (450th) recalls the chronology of this event. 

Kimon as well as the circles symbolize the inextricable bond between Greece and Cyprus. The rank of General Kimon symbolizes the Squadron’s ability to carry out its missions with high operational and tactical capability. The spear he holds symbolizes the importance of the Squadron’s mission as it is the spearhead of the Cyprus National Guard. 

Finally, according to the legend, Kimon observed an eagle digging with its claws and hitting a specific point with its beak, where it found the bones and weapons of the king and hero Theseus. The eagle depicted in the sign refers to this myth as well as the weapons that Kimon holds symbolize the bravery and courage of their holder Theseus.

Also read: July 05, 2006 | The crash of a National Guard Mil-35P

Historically, the 450th Attack Helicopter Squadron, an independent Aviation Command Unit, was established on 10/15/2001. In addition to the Mi35P helicopters, the Squadron also has SA342L1 Gazelle helicopters in its arsenal. 

Regarding the Mi-35P, they carry 9M120 ATAKA and 9M114 anti-tank missiles, with a range of 6 km and 5 km respectively and a piercing capacity of 800 mm and 560 mm, 80mm S-8 rockets and 120mm C- 24B rockets. In addition, the Mi-35Ps have a fixed Gsh-30-2 30 mm double-barreled cannon with an adjustable speed of 3000 or 300 rounds per minute and a range of 2,200 meters, while the helicopter wings can also be fitted with cannons of 23 mm.

In turn, the Aerospatiale Gazelle SA-342L1 is a French helicopter, which is mainly used for reconnaissance missions and close air support with 4 HOT-2 anti-tank missiles. It features a Turbomeca Astazou engine and a fenestron tail rotor instead of a conventional impeller rotor. 

Designed by SudAviation and later improved by Aérospatiale, it was jointly manufactured by France and the United Kingdom through a production agreement with Westland Aircraft.

Changing the emblem and deleting the Mi-35P from it may foretell changes. Is the “end of an era” for the Mi-35P approaching? See the related article below.

Also read: National Guard | The available options for new Helicopters