Cyprus Bolsters Air Defense with Advanced Israeli Barak MX System
Cyprus has reinforced its airspace by integrating an advanced Israeli Barak MX air defense battery into its National Guard, drawing criticism from Turkey.
Cyprus is significantly reinforcing its airspace by integrating an additional Israeli-made Barak MX air defense battery into the National Guard's arsenal, according to the local newspaper Phileleftheros. This move completes the republic's comprehensive aerial umbrella initiative.
Strategic Air Defense Integration
According to the report, the deployment follows the original agreement signed between the parties, and the system has already been fully integrated into the National Guard's operational plans. While the exact number of Barak MX batteries remains classified, the advanced system debuted publicly during the October 1 Independence Day military parade.
The system, procured following an evaluation process that began in 2021, provides a multi-layered defense. It intercepts threats ranging from drones to tactical ballistic missiles, utilizing interceptors with ranges up to 150 kilometers.
Regional Tensions and Future Procurements
The deployment of the Israeli defense system has drawn sharp criticism from neighboring Turkey, where senior officials labeled it dangerous due to its extended operational range and advanced detection capabilities.
Alongside the Barak MX, reports indicate Cyprus is evaluating additional Israeli systems, including Drone Dome, Lite Beam, and Iron Dome. However, final decisions have not yet been reached regarding these potential acquisitions.
Meanwhile, the National Guard will retain its Russian-made Tor-M1 and Buk air defense systems in active service for now, as no decision has been made to phase them out despite the arrival of the new Israeli technology.
