Cyprus National Guard conducts Iris-2026 tactical exercise

The Cyprus National Guard is conducting the Iris-2026 tactical exercise from October 12 to October 15, 2026, at the Kalo Chorio shooting range. The four-day training mission involves live-fire maneuvers designed to test operational readiness and simulate complex, modern combat environments within the framework of the National Guard’s broader strategic planning. Due to the nature of the exercises, public access to the shooting range is strictly prohibited for the duration of the event.

Notably, the exercise has expanded to include Hellenic Air Force F-16 fighter jets stationed at the Andreas Papandreou air base in Paphos. A pair of these jets conducted flypasts over the range on October 13 as part of the scheduled scenarios. The aircraft are expected to participate again on Thursday, October 15, during the final phase of the exercise, which will be attended by officials including the Minister of Defense and members of the House of Representatives.