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{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Air Command of Cyprus
| unit_name = Air Command of Cyprus
| native_name = {{nativename|el|nolink=on|Διοίκηση Αεροπορίας Κύπρου}}
| native_name = {{nativename|el|nolink=on|Διοίκηση Αεροπορίας Κύπρου}}<br/>{{nativename|tr|nolink=on|Kıbrıs Hava Komutanlığı}}
| image = [[File:Cypriot Air Force badge.svg|180px]]
| image = [[File:Cypriot Air Force badge.svg|180px]]
| image_size =
| image_size =
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<!-- Commanders -->
<!-- Commanders -->
| command_structure = [[Cypriot National Guard]]
| command_structure = [[Cypriot National Guard]]
| commander1 = Βrigadier General Pattihis Gabriel
| commander1 = Βrigadier General Christou Christos
<!-- Insignia -->
<!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol = [[File:Cyprus-roundel low.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol = [[File:Cyprus-roundel low.svg|80px]]
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}}
}}


The '''Cyprus Air Command''' ({{lang-el|Διοίκηση Αεροπορίας Κύπρου}}), is the armed air wing of the [[Cyprus National Guard|National Guard]]. This force is equipped with [[Attack helicopter|attack]] and [[Anti-tank warfare|anti-tank]] [[helicopter]]s, [[surface-to-air missile]] systems and integrated [[radar]] systems.
The '''Cyprus Air Command''' ({{langx|el|Διοίκηση Αεροπορίας Κύπρου|Dioikisi Aeroporias Kyprou}}, {{langx|tr|Kıbrıs Hava Komutanlığı}}), also known as the '''Cyprus Air Force''' or '''Cypriot Air Force''', is the armed air wing of the [[Cyprus National Guard|National Guard]]. This force is equipped with [[Attack helicopter|attack]] and [[Anti-tank warfare|anti-tank]] [[helicopter]]s, [[surface-to-air missile]] systems and integrated [[radar]] systems.


== History ==
== History ==
The history of Cypriot aviation began on 16 August 1960, when an Air Wing was established on the island which won its independence from the [[United Kingdom]]). It was equipped with a small number of [[aircraft|light aircraft]] and mainly performed search and rescue tasks ([[Search and rescue|SAR]]), transport of the sick, control of fires and [[water pollution|marine pollution]] as well as defense and police forces on the Cypriot coast and territory.
The history of Cypriot aviation began on 16 August 1960, after it won its independence from the [[United Kingdom]], when an Air Wing was established on the island which. It was equipped with a small number of [[aircraft|light aircraft]] and mainly performed search and rescue tasks ([[Search and rescue|SAR]]), transport of the sick, control of fires and [[water pollution|marine pollution]] as well as defense and police forces on the Cypriot coast and territory.


Until 1987, the [[aircraft]] of the Cypriot aviation still operated with [[brands]] civilians, as the usual military nature of the young [[air force]] had not yet developed. In the same year, 3 [[Utility helicopter | light helicopters]] [[Bell 206]], 4 [[Utility helicopter|utility helicopters]] [[Aérospatiale SA 341 Gazelle|Aérospatiale Gazelle]] and 2 [[Training aircraft | intermediate trainers]] [[Pilatus PC-9]].
Until 1987, the [[aircraft]] of the Cypriot aviation still operated with civilian [[brands]], as the usual military nature of the young [[air force]] had not yet developed. In the same year, 3 [[Utility helicopter | light helicopters]] [[Bell 206]], 4 [[Utility helicopter|utility helicopters]] [[Aérospatiale SA 341 Gazelle|Aérospatiale Gazelle]] and 2 [[Training aircraft | intermediate trainers]] [[Pilatus PC-9]].


From this moment on, the Cypriot air force began to adopt for its aircraft a camouflage livery and nationality insignia with the national flag and the classic [[cockade]] that perfectly follows that of [[Greece]], the nation with which it exists a strong bond, not only military.<ref> '' JP4 - Monthly of Aeronautica '' - n ° 8 year XXXIV - August 2005.</ref>
From this moment on, the Cypriot air force began to adopt for its aircraft a camouflage livery and nationality insignia with the national flag and the classic [[cockade]] that perfectly follows that of [[Greece]], the nation with which it exists a strong bond, not only military.<ref> '' JP4 - Monthly of Aeronautica '' - n ° 8 year XXXIV - August 2005.</ref>
Line 48: Line 48:
:The primary airbase of the Cyprus Air Force, this base adjacent to the [[Paphos International Airport]] has a runway, taxiway, hardened aircraft-shelters, and integrated command, control and communication facilities.
:The primary airbase of the Cyprus Air Force, this base adjacent to the [[Paphos International Airport]] has a runway, taxiway, hardened aircraft-shelters, and integrated command, control and communication facilities.


* Lakatamia AFB, Nicosia (HEADQUARTERS)
* [[Lakatamia Air Force Base|Lakatamia AFB]], Nicosia (HEADQUARTERS)
:The reserve airbase of the Cyprus Air Force lay just south of the Cypriot capital of [[Nicosia]]. The base rarely hosted fixed-wing aircraft, and simply served as a staging-post for helicopters operating in and out of the Nicosia area.
:The reserve airbase of the Cyprus Air Force lay just south of the Cypriot capital of [[Nicosia]]. The base rarely hosted fixed-wing aircraft, and simply served as a staging-post for helicopters operating in and out of the Nicosia area.


Line 56: Line 56:
==Equipment==
==Equipment==
=== Aircraft ===
=== Aircraft ===
[[File:Cyprian AW139 search and rescue helicopter departs the USS Stout (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|A Cyprian AW139 helicopter departs the [[USS Stout| USS ''Stout'']]]]
[[File:Cyprian AW139 search and rescue helicopter departs the USS Stout (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|A Cypriot AW139 helicopter departs the [[USS Stout]]]]
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft
Line 65: Line 65:
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes
|-
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Military transport aircraft |Transport]]
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|-
|-
| [[Embraer ERJ-135]]
|[[Embraer ERJ-135]]
| [[Brazil]]
|[[Brazil]]
|[[Military transport aircraft|Transport]] / [[Utility aircraft|Utility]]
|transport / utility
|
|
| 1<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reporter.com.cy/politics/article/968757/efcharistise-ton-mitsotaki-ga-tin-dorea-toy-proedrikoy-aeroskafoys-o-anastasiadis |title= Ευχαρίστησε τον Μητσοτάκη για την δωρεά του προεδρικού αεροσκάφους ο Αναστασιάδης |publisher= reporter.com.cy |date=|accessdate=18 June 2022}}</ref>
| 1<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reporter.com.cy/politics/article/968757/efcharistise-ton-mitsotaki-ga-tin-dorea-toy-proedrikoy-aeroskafoys-o-anastasiadis |title= Ευχαρίστησε τον Μητσοτάκη για την δωρεά του προεδρικού αεροσκάφους ο Αναστασιάδης |publisher= reporter.com.cy |date=17 June 2022|access-date=18 June 2022|language=el}}</ref>
|donate by [[Greece]]
|Donated by [[Greece]]
|-
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Helicopters]]
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Helicopter]]s
|-
|-
|[[Bell 206]]
|[[Bell 206]]
|[[United States]]
|[[United States]]
⚫
|[[Utility helicopter|Utility]]
|utility
||[[Bell 206#Variants|206L]]
||[[Bell 206#Variants|206L]]
|2<ref name="Cyprus Air Command">{{cite news |url= https://www.scramble.nl/planning/orbats/cyprus/cyprus-national-guard|title = Cyprus National Guard, Air Force Command |publisher= scramble.nl |access-date= 2024-08-07}}</ref>
|2<ref name=":1" />
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Mil Mi-24]]
|[[Aérospatiale Gazelle]]
| [[Russia]]
⚫
| [[Attack helicopter|attack]]
|[[Mil Mi-24 variants#List of Variants|Mi-24]]
| 11<ref name="World Air Forces 2018">{{cite web|url =https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-world-air-forces-maintaining-strength-443655/|title =World Air Forces 2018|publisher =Flightglobal Insight|year =2018|access-date =4 December 2017|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20171202153055/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-world-air-forces-maintaining-strength-443655/|archive-date =2 December 2017|url-status =live|df =dmy-all}}</ref>
⚫
|
⚫
|-
|[[ Aérospatiale Gazelle]]
|[[France]]
|[[France]]
|[[Maritime patrol aircraft|Patrol]] / Scout
|scout / patrol
|[[ Aérospatiale Gazelle#Variants|342]]
|[[ Aérospatiale Gazelle#Variants|342]]
|4<ref name="World Air Forces 2022">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/flight-international/how-afghanistans-fall-reshaped-world-air-forces-inventory/146576.article|title = World Air Forces 2022|publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2022 |doi = |accessdate= 6 May 2022|url-access=registration}}</ref>
|4<ref name="World Air Forces 2024">{{Cite web |editor-last=Hoyle |editor-first=Craig |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/2024-world-air-forces-directory-how-major-conflicts-impacted-global-fleet/156048.article |access-date=2024-08-07 |url-access=registration |website=Flight Global |year=2023}}</ref><ref name="Cyprus Air Command"/>
|
|
|-
|-
| [[AgustaWestland AW139]]
| [[AgustaWestland AW139]]
| Italy
| [[Italy]]
| [[Search and rescue|SAR ]] / utility
| [[Search and rescue|SAR]] / Utility
|
|
| 3<ref name="World Air Forces 2018"/>
| 3<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
⚫
|-
|
|
⚫
[[Eurocopter EC145]]
|Germany
|Reconnaissance/attack
|H145M
|6+6
|-
|-
| [[Eurocopter EC145|Airbus Helicopters H145]]
⚫
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Trainer (aircraft)|Trainer Aircraft]]
| France / [[Germany]]
| SAR / Utility
⚫
|[[Eurocopter EC145#Variant|H145M]]
⚫
|
|6 on order<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|-
|-
⚫
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Unmanned aerial vehicle]]s
|[[Pilatus PC-9]]
|Switzerland
|trainer / attack
|PC-9M
|1<ref name=":1" />
⚫
|
⚫
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]]
|-
| [[IAI Searcher]]
| [[Israel]]
| surveillance
|
| 2<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/user/in-service/cyprus-af-current-aircraft-inventory.htm|title=Current Aircraft Inventory &#124; Cyprus Air Command}}</ref>
|
|-
|-
|[[Aeronautics Defense Systems|Aerostar]]
|[[Aeronautics Defense Systems|Aerostar]]
|[[Israel]]
|[[Israel]]
|surveillance
|
|
| 4
|
⚫
|4
| 4 on order<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.reporter.com.cy/politics/article/569021/|title=Εξοπλίζεται με drones τελευταίας τεχνολογίας από το Ισραήλ η Εθνική Φρουρά}}</ref>
|4 on order<ref>{{cite web|url=https://defenceredefined.com.cy/aerostar-the-first-tactical-uav-of-the-national-guard-video-photos/|access-date=2024-08-07|date=2021-04-02|title=Aerostar – The first tactical UAV of the National Guard – Video & Photos|publisher=DEFENCEreDEFINED}}</ref>
|}
|}

Retired aircraft include the [[Mil Mi-24|Mil Mi-35P]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.key.aero/article/cyprus-transfers-remaining-mi-35p-gunships-serbia|title=Cyprus transfers remaining Mi-35P gunships to Serbia|access-date=2024-08-07|date=2023-11-30|first=Jon|last=Lake|publisher=Key Publishing}}</ref>


=== Air Defense ===
=== Air Defense ===
Line 144: Line 124:
! style="text-align:l center; background:#aabccc;"|In service
! style="text-align:l center; background:#aabccc;"|In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#aabccc;"|Notes
! style="text-align: center; background:#aabccc;"|Notes
⚫
|
|-
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Anti-aircraft warfare|Anti-aircraft]]
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Surface-to-air missile|SAM]]
|-
|-
⚫
| [[Tor missile system#9K331 Tor-M1| 9K331 Tor-M1]]
|[[Buk missile system|9K37M1-2 Buk M1-2]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://geimint.blogspot.co.uk/2008/05/cypriot-missile-crisis.html|title=The Cypriot Missile Crisis|website=geimint.blogspot.co.uk|date=May 2008|access-date=2018-05-08}}</ref>
|[[Russia]]
|mobile SAM system
|
|
|-
⚫
| [[Tor missile system#9K331 Tor-M1|9K331 Tor M1]]
| [[Russia]]
| [[Russia]]
| mobile [[Surface-to-air missile|SAM]] system
| Mobile [[Surface-to-air missile|SAM]] system
⚫
| 6<ref name="sipri1">[http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php Trade Registers]. Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved on 14 December 2017.</ref>
| 6
⚫
|
⚫
| Self-propelled firing units. <ref name="sipri1">[http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php Trade Registers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |date=14 April 2010 }}. Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved on 14 December 2017.</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Aspide]]
| [[Aspide]]
| [[Italy]]
| [[Italy]]
| [[Surface-to-air missile|SAM]] system
| SAM system
| 12<ref name="sipri1" />
| 130<ref name="sipri1"/>
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Oerlikon GDF]]
| [[Oerlikon GDF]]
| [[Switzerland]]
| [[Switzerland]]
| anti-aircraft gun
| [[Anti-aircraft warfare|Anti-aircraft]]
| 30<ref name="sipri1"/>
| 30<ref name="sipri1"/>
| [[Towing|towed]] 35mm gun
| [[Towing|Towed]] 35mm anti-aircraft gun
⚫
|
|}
|}

In 1998 two [[S-300 (missile)|S-300 PMU1]] systems were delivered, but then transferred to [[Hellenic Air Force]] that same year due to political considerations regarding the [[Cyprus Missile Crisis]].


== Aerial incidents between Cyprus and Turkey ==
== Aerial incidents between Cyprus and Turkey ==


=== Paphos Incident – 22 October 2000 ===
=== Paphos Incident – 22 October 2000 ===
On 22 October 2000, [[TOR-M1]] air-defense batteries operated by the [[Cyprus National Guard]] at Papandreou Air Base tracked a pair of Turkish warplanes detected approaching the airbase by "[[missile lock-on|locking-on]]" to them.
On 22 October 2000, [[Tor-M1]] air-defense batteries operated by the [[Cyprus National Guard]] at Papandreou Air Base tracked a pair of Turkish warplanes detected approaching the airbase by "[[missile lock-on|locking on]]" to them.
By Jean Christou, Cyprus Mail, 7 April 2002. The action of engaging the Turkish aircraft with radar forced the warplanes to retreat from the area, as [[Greek Cypriot]] and [[Greece|Greek]] forces conducted joint military manoeuvres in the [[Paphos]] region. The incident prompted an angry outburst from the [[Turkish Cypriot]] leader, Rauf Denktaş, who was reported in the media to have condemned the radar lock-on as a provocation that could lead to war.<ref>{{cite news|title=Denktash Warns of War Risk|author=Alex Efty|work=[[The Independent]]|date=24 October 2000|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/denktash-warns-of-war-risk-635037.html|access-date=19 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042120/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/denktash-warns-of-war-risk-635037.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
By Jean Christou, Cyprus Mail, 7 April 2002. The action of engaging the Turkish aircraft with radar forced the warplanes to retreat from the area, as [[Greek Cypriot]] and [[Greece|Greek]] forces conducted joint military maneuvers in the [[Paphos]] region. The incident prompted an angry outburst from the [[Turkish Cypriot]] leader, Rauf Denktaş, who was reported in the media to have condemned the radar lock-on as a provocation that could lead to war.<ref>{{cite news|title=Denktash Warns of War Risk|author=Alex Efty|work=[[The Independent]]|date=24 October 2000|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/denktash-warns-of-war-risk-635037.html|access-date=19 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042120/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/denktash-warns-of-war-risk-635037.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Paphos Incident – 5 April 2002 ===
=== Paphos Incident – 5 April 2002 ===
It was variously reported in the [[Cyprus]] media that combat [[radars]] of the [[Cyprus National Guard]], based at Papandreou Air Base in [[Paphos]], had tracked two Turkish [[F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]] warplanes at 11am on 5 April 2002, by "locking-on" to them. The two [[Turkey|Turkish]] aircraft were reported to have incurred into the [[Nicosia]] [[Flight Information Region]] and then passed directly over the [[Greek Cypriot]] airbase at an altitude of 3500 feet. Upon realising that they were being tracked, the two Turkish aircraft turned back towards Turkey, and then returned to their airbase.
It was variously reported in the [[Cyprus]] media that combat [[radars]] of the [[Cyprus National Guard]], based at Papandreou Air Base in [[Paphos]], had tracked two Turkish [[F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]] warplanes at 11am on 5 April 2002, by "locking-on" to them. The two [[Turkey|Turkish]] aircraft were reported to have incurred into the [[Nicosia]] [[Flight Information Region]] and then passed directly over the [[Greek Cypriot]] airbase at an altitude of 3500 feet. Upon realizing that they were being tracked, the two Turkish aircraft turned back towards Turkey, and then returned to their airbase.

=== Cyprus EEZ - 18 August 2022 ===
On 18 August 2022, [[Cyprus|Cypriot]] and [[Greece|Greek]] radars spotted a [[Turkish Naval Forces|Turkish Navy]] [[ATR 72]] whilst flying over Block 6 of the [[exclusive economic zone of Cyprus]]. According to media sources, the plane did a low pass at 4,500 [[Foot (unit)|feet]], however a Cypriot official claimed that the plane did no such thing and remained at 29,000. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/08/18/turkish-spy-plane-makes-low-pass-over-cyprus-eez/ | title=Turkish 'spy plane' makes low pass over Cyprus' EEZ &#124; Cyprus Mail }}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 07:02, 10 December 2024

Air Command of Cyprus
Διοίκηση Αεροπορίας Κύπρου (Greek)
Kıbrıs Hava Komutanlığı (Turkish)
Cyprus Air Force emblem
Founded1964
Country Cyprus
BranchAir force
RoleAerial warfare
Size1,200 personnel
20 helicopters, 2 fixed wing aircraft, 4 unmanned aerial vehicles. On order: 4 helicopters + 4 UAVs
Part ofCypriot National Guard
Commanders
Current
commander		Βrigadier General Christou Christos
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash

The Cyprus Air Command (Greek: Διοίκηση Αεροπορίας Κύπρου, romanized: Dioikisi Aeroporias Kyprou, Turkish: Kıbrıs Hava Komutanlığı), also known as the Cyprus Air Force or Cypriot Air Force, is the armed air wing of the National Guard. This force is equipped with attack and anti-tank helicopters, surface-to-air missile systems and integrated radar systems.

History

[edit]

The history of Cypriot aviation began on 16 August 1960, after it won its independence from the United Kingdom, when an Air Wing was established on the island which. It was equipped with a small number of light aircraft and mainly performed search and rescue tasks (SAR), transport of the sick, control of fires and marine pollution as well as defense and police forces on the Cypriot coast and territory.

Until 1987, the aircraft of the Cypriot aviation still operated with civilian brands, as the usual military nature of the young air force had not yet developed. In the same year, 3 light helicopters Bell 206, 4 utility helicopters Aérospatiale Gazelle and 2 intermediate trainers Pilatus PC-9.

From this moment on, the Cypriot air force began to adopt for its aircraft a camouflage livery and nationality insignia with the national flag and the classic cockade that perfectly follows that of Greece, the nation with which it exists a strong bond, not only military.[1]

In July 2022, the Cypriot government announced that six Eurocopter EC145 helicopters would be procured from Airbus with an option for six more. These helicopters would cover the roles of reconnaissance and attack. They will be replacing the ageing Mil Mi-24 helicopters in service which are hard and costly to maintain. Turkish Cypriot authorities have called the helicopter purchase as a “provocation”. [2]

Organisation

[edit]

The Cyprus Air Force consists of two aircraft squadrons.[3] Note that the aircraft of the Cyprus Police operate under a separate command-structure during peacetime.

  • 450th Attack Helicopter Squadron (450 M.E/P)[4]
  • 460th Search And Rescue Squadron (460 MED) [4]

Air Force bases and stations

[edit]
  • Andreas Papandreou AFB, Paphos (ACTIVE)
The primary airbase of the Cyprus Air Force, this base adjacent to the Paphos International Airport has a runway, taxiway, hardened aircraft-shelters, and integrated command, control and communication facilities.
The reserve airbase of the Cyprus Air Force lay just south of the Cypriot capital of Nicosia. The base rarely hosted fixed-wing aircraft, and simply served as a staging-post for helicopters operating in and out of the Nicosia area.
  • Troodos Stations (ACTIVE)
The Troodos Mountains, the highest mountain range in Cyprus, hosts a number of radar and air-defense facilities. Their unit designations and deployment status are not made public.

Equipment

[edit]

Aircraft

[edit]
A Cypriot AW139 helicopter departs the USS Stout
Aircraft Origin Type Variant In service Notes
Transport
Embraer ERJ-135 Brazil Transport / Utility 1[5] Donated by Greece
Helicopters
Bell 206 United States Utility 206L 2[6]
Aérospatiale Gazelle France Patrol / Scout 342 4[7][6]
AgustaWestland AW139 Italy SAR / Utility 3[7]
Airbus Helicopters H145 France / Germany SAR / Utility H145M 6 on order[7]
Unmanned aerial vehicles
Aerostar Israel 4 4 on order[8]

Retired aircraft include the Mil Mi-35P.[9]

Air Defense

[edit]
A Tor-M1 surface to air missile system
Name Origin Type In service Notes
SAM
9K331 Tor-M1 Russia Mobile SAM system 6[10]
Aspide Italy SAM system 130[10]
Oerlikon GDF Switzerland Anti-aircraft 30[10] Towed 35mm anti-aircraft gun

In 1998 two S-300 PMU1 systems were delivered, but then transferred to Hellenic Air Force that same year due to political considerations regarding the Cyprus Missile Crisis.

Aerial incidents between Cyprus and Turkey

[edit]

Paphos Incident – 22 October 2000

[edit]

On 22 October 2000, Tor-M1 air-defense batteries operated by the Cyprus National Guard at Papandreou Air Base tracked a pair of Turkish warplanes detected approaching the airbase by "locking on" to them. By Jean Christou, Cyprus Mail, 7 April 2002. The action of engaging the Turkish aircraft with radar forced the warplanes to retreat from the area, as Greek Cypriot and Greek forces conducted joint military maneuvers in the Paphos region. The incident prompted an angry outburst from the Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktaş, who was reported in the media to have condemned the radar lock-on as a provocation that could lead to war.[11]

Paphos Incident – 5 April 2002

[edit]

It was variously reported in the Cyprus media that combat radars of the Cyprus National Guard, based at Papandreou Air Base in Paphos, had tracked two Turkish F-16 warplanes at 11am on 5 April 2002, by "locking-on" to them. The two Turkish aircraft were reported to have incurred into the Nicosia Flight Information Region and then passed directly over the Greek Cypriot airbase at an altitude of 3500 feet. Upon realizing that they were being tracked, the two Turkish aircraft turned back towards Turkey, and then returned to their airbase.

Cyprus EEZ - 18 August 2022

[edit]

On 18 August 2022, Cypriot and Greek radars spotted a Turkish Navy ATR 72 whilst flying over Block 6 of the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus. According to media sources, the plane did a low pass at 4,500 feet, however a Cypriot official claimed that the plane did no such thing and remained at 29,000. [12]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ JP4 - Monthly of Aeronautica - n ° 8 year XXXIV - August 2005.
  2. ^ "Cyprus signs deal for Airbus attack helicopters". abcnews.go.com. ABC News. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  3. ^ "Cyprus Air Command". Aeroflight. 9 April 2016. Archived from the original on 7 May 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Cyprus Air Force". Aeroflight. Archived from the original on 9 May 2018. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
  5. ^ "Ευχαρίστησε τον Μητσοτάκη για την δωρεά του προεδρικού αεροσκάφους ο Αναστασιάδης" (in Greek). reporter.com.cy. 17 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  6. ^ a b "Cyprus National Guard, Air Force Command". scramble.nl. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  7. ^ a b c Hoyle, Craig, ed. (2023). "World Air Forces 2024". Flight Global. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  8. ^ "Aerostar – The first tactical UAV of the National Guard – Video & Photos". DEFENCEreDEFINED. 2 April 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  9. ^ Lake, Jon (30 November 2023). "Cyprus transfers remaining Mi-35P gunships to Serbia". Key Publishing. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  10. ^ a b c Trade Registers. Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved on 14 December 2017.
  11. ^ Alex Efty (24 October 2000). "Denktash Warns of War Risk". The Independent. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2017.
  12. ^ "Turkish 'spy plane' makes low pass over Cyprus' EEZ | Cyprus Mail".

Sources

[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Cyprus_Air_Command&oldid=1262220666"