Cyprus celebrates 66th independence anniversary with grand military parade

On October 1, 2026, Cyprus commemorated the 66th anniversary of its independence with a grand military parade in Nicosia on Iosif H. Iosif Avenue. The event, attended by President Nikos Christodoulides, Greek National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, and various foreign dignitaries, featured mechanized and pedestrian units, including, for the first time, a Greek armed forces contingent and F-16 Viper flyovers.

President Christodoulides reaffirmed that ending the 52-year-old Turkish occupation and achieving reunification remain the government's number one priority. He announced a significant increase in the 2027 national budget allocated to defense, specifically for the modernization of the National Guard and the procurement of advanced weaponry, such as the Barak MX air defense system and new drone capabilities, leveraging the European Union's SAFE defense tool. The government is also investing in human resources to bolster the island’s deterrent power.

Foreign military representatives from the United Kingdom, Egypt, France, and the United States were also present, signaling the country's upgraded geostrategic standing and its commitment to strategic international partnerships. Officials emphasized that despite ongoing geopolitical complexities, the Republic remains dedicated to both internal development and the continuous strengthening of its security infrastructure to defend national sovereignty.