Cyprus National Guard establishes domestic drone production facility

The Cyprus National Guard has established a new laboratory dedicated to the design, development, and production of small unmanned aerial systems, specifically sUAV and FPV drones. Located at the 12th Engineering Battalion, the facility was created during the summer following an order by National Guard Chief Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou to bolster the force's technological autonomy and operational capabilities.

During a recent visit to the site, Lieutenant General Theodorou was briefed on the production process and the potential for future development. These drones are currently intended for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, with plans to integrate strike capabilities as the technology evolves. The move is part of a broader strategic transformation aimed at allowing the military to quickly adapt to the requirements of the modern battlefield.

This initiative marks the first time the National Guard has developed such a domestic facility, emphasizing the shift toward indigenous know-how and reducing reliance on external suppliers. While the lab is now operational, it represents a foundational step in the defense ministry's modernization efforts, with ongoing assessments to evaluate how these systems can be further optimized for future combat applications.