The National Guard of Cyprus celebrated a significant milestone on 12 January, as it received two Poseidon H10 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a Command and Control system from Swarmly Ltd. The ceremony, held at Patroklos Kokkinos Camp in Mosfiloti village, Larnaca district, marked a pivotal moment in Cyprus’ defence capabilities and technological advancements.
Lieutenant General Emmanuel Theodorou, Chief of the National Guard, expressed his gratitude to Swarmly Ltd. for their valuable contribution, highlighting the strategic importance of the equipment. “This constitutes a significant investment in national security and practical proof of the possibility of domestic production of defence systems and the prospective development of the Cyprus defence industry,” he stated.
The Poseidon H10 UAV, already deployed in real combat conditions in Ukraine, has demonstrated its effectiveness in modern, high-intensity operational environments. Lieutenant General Theodorou emphasised the importance of integrating such advanced technology into the National Guard’s artillery observation command. “In modern operational reality, the power of artillery is not determined only by calibre or range, but by the ability to quickly and accurately target and access to real-time information. The operational integration of Poseidon into the Artillery Observation Command of the Artillery Command contributes precisely in this direction,” he explained.
The Chief of the National Guard also commended the collaborative efforts of organisations and companies that contribute to enhancing the National Guard’s capabilities. He noted that these systems will be utilised to their fullest potential to strengthen the mission and operational effectiveness of the Artillery Command and the National Guard as a whole.
Artillery Colonel Costas Pavlides, who read the daily order, underscored the symbolic significance of the event. “This is not just a formal ceremony, but an act with substantial symbolism that reflects the contribution, respect, as well as the mission and work of the National Guard and especially the Artillery weapon,” he said. He further explained that the UAVs and control systems symbolise duty, discipline, self-denial, faith in duty, and the ideals that characterise the human potential of the National Guard.
The Poseidon H10 UAV, manufactured and developed in Cyprus, features vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, a maximum operating range of 50 kilometers, and the ability to perform day and night targeting and artillery fire corrections. This technological achievement underscores Cyprus’ growing role in the innovation and defence technology ecosystem.
The event not only highlighted the advancements in Cyprus’ defence capabilities but also reinforced the National Guard’s position as a pillar of security, stability, and national dignity. As the country continues to invest in and develop its defence industry, such milestones will be crucial in shaping its future strategic and technological landscape.