Cyprus holds military parade to mark independence anniversary

On October 2, 2026, Cyprus celebrated its Independence Day with a major military parade on Iosif Hadjiosif Avenue in Nicosia. The event, overseen by President Nikos Christodoulides, featured a variety of military assets, including infantry, artillery, and tank units, alongside the national guard, police, and civil defense services. Key highlights included the debut of new military drones capable of surveillance and combat, alongside an unmanned naval vessel and the recently acquired Israeli Barak MX air defense systems. The parade also featured Tamanava multiple launch rocket systems and a flyover by four Greek F-16 Viper fighter jets.

Prior to the parade, President Christodoulides held bilateral talks with Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, emphasizing the strengthening of military ties between the two nations. Christodoulides noted that the participation of a dedicated Greek military contingent, along with representatives from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Egypt, underscores international support for Cyprus. The government has identified defense procurement, specifically targeting air defense and drone technology, as the primary expenditure priority for the 2027 fiscal budget. While a British Eurofighter was originally scheduled to participate in the aerial display, the maneuver did not occur.