Cyprus to showcase Barak MX air defence system for the first time at 1 October parade

Israel’s Barak MX air defence system will be publicly showcased for the first time at the military parade marking Cyprus Independence Day on 1 October. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas announced this, saying that the celebrations will be held in an expanded format this year.

Barak MX is manufactured by Israeli company Israel Aerospace Industries. The system combines air and missile defence and operates with different types of missiles, with an engagement range of 15 to 150 km depending on the target. It is designed to counter fighter jets, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles.

The key element of the system is the ELM-2084 multifunctional radar, which provides 475 km of 360-degree coverage and up to 650 km in fixed-sector mode. The Cyprus National Guard has already incorporated Barak MX into its Air Command, but until now the system had only been shown in official video footage.

A contingent of the Egyptian armed forces will take part in the 1 October parade for the first time, with units from other partner countries also expected to participate. Greece will be represented at the celebrations by Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias.

Before the parade, Palmas will travel to Cairo for a trilateral meeting of the defence ministers of Cyprus, Greece and Egypt. The talks will focus on joint exercises and personnel training.