The air defence exercise “TALOS 2022” was successfully completed with the participation of forces of the National Guard and the French Armed Forces.  

According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercise took place on the occasion of the presence of the French Navy’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean. The activities of the air defence exercise “TALOS 2022” are part of the implementation of the defence cooperation program between Cyprus – France and are carried out in part of the land and air space of the free territory of the Republic of Cyprus. 

The purpose of the exercise was to train the National Guard’s air defence personnel in the tactics of air force deployment, to increase the operational readiness and the level of standardization in the planning and conduct of air operations. Specifically, during the exercise, the air defence system and self-protection system of the National Guard’s facilities were activated. The system’s performance was evaluated in realistic conditions against modern fighter aircraft. In addition, the personnel were trained in tactical weapons control procedures and the transmission of information as well as in the air defence procedures of the Aviation Control Center.

According to the National Guard General Staff (GEEF), the exercise, which is part of the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Program between the Republic of Cyprus and France, is considered to be particularly beneficial as it provides the opportunity for National Guard personnel to train with French Armed Forces Units, thus promoting interoperability and the development of relations in the field of air force cooperation. At the same time, the participation of the National Guard in the wide network of international cooperation with respective forces of friendly and allied countries contributes to ensuring stability and security in the region.

Source: Ministry of Defence, GEEF

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