The Cypriot National Guard Air Command plans to enhance its anti-tank capabilities. Babak Taghvaee explains why
The Cypriot National Guard Air Command (CNGAC) acts as an air force for the Republic of Cyprus backed by Greece. With a fleet of 20 helicopters, four uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and six air defense batteries, it not only protects the country’s airspace, it can also play a vital role in combat operations for support of ground units, in the event of any potential war or military invasion from neighboring Turkey.
A fleet of 11 Mi-35P heavy attack helicopters is at the core of the CNGAC’s anti-tank capability. However, the fleet is about to reach the end of its meantime between overhaul (MTBO). As a result, the Cypriot MoD is in search of an Mi-35P replacement, to be procured before the type’s retirement from service this year.