The Ministry of Defense continues with steady steps the modernization and strengthening of the National Guard, the Minister of Defense, Vassilis Palmas, said on Friday, speaking at the camp of Lieutenant General Stylianos Kalbourtzis in Delikipos, during the celebration ceremony of the patron of the Air Force, Archangel Michael.
Mr. Palmas stated that the Ministry has set clear goals regarding the strengthening of the combat effectiveness of the armed forces and the upgrading of our deterrent capabilities. "We continue with steady steps in the modernization and strengthening of the National Guard, so that, marching with steady steps in the future, it continues to fulfill its mission, as the main defender of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus," he said.
He said that the Air Force plays an important role in this effort, "both in terms of carrying out intelligence gathering and close support missions, as well as in attacking targets with speed and precision, but also in dealing with threats coming from the ground and air space".
This, he continued, "is made even more imperative by the geopolitical instability that has arisen due to both the ongoing war in Ukraine and the protracted conflict in the Middle East."
On the occasion of today's celebration, Mr. Palmas expressed "my undivided satisfaction to the leadership of the Air Force of the National Guard and to all the personnel for the arduous effort they make to maintain a high level of readiness."
Mr. Palmas called on Air Force personnel to continue with the same unwavering enthusiasm and loyalty to the duty of guarding and policing our skies. "Remember that your every effort is another step towards consolidating the security of our homeland. Your dedication is the shield that protects the present and guarantees our future,” he said.
He mentioned, among other things, the "valuable social contribution" of the Air Force and the provision of all possible help and support to fellow human beings, through Search and Rescue, Airlift and Firefighting missions, as well as its contribution to the design and execution of humanitarian missions to evacuate civilians from war zones ».
In the Order of the Day, the Commander of the Aviation Command Brigadier General Christos Christou stated that "our goal remains to increase the combat capability of the Air Force. We must protect the homeland from any threat at any cost."
He also said that "a prerequisite for the success of our Weapon is the optimal and rational utilization of human resources, weapon systems and resources available to us, in combination with realistic and high-level training. These are the means of achieving the required quality excellence, which is necessary for the fulfillment of our mission".
"Our non-negotiable and constant concern is to secure and make available at all times to the EF, a strong, reliable and modern deterrence air force, with the objective of defending the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus" he concluded.
During the event, a eulogy was performed, a minute's silence was observed and the National Anthem was played.
From the camp, 5 helicopters of the 450th Helicopter Squadron of the Greek Air Force and the 460th Search and Rescue Squadron of the Greek Air Force passed in formation. Specifically 3 Gazelle helicopters and 2 Bell206 helicopters.
Event attendees toured a static display of air defense weapon systems.
Source: KYPE