National Guard to acquire four Centaur anti-drone systems, KNEWS
AI Analysis
The National Guard of Cyprus is set to acquire four Centaur anti-drone systems from Greece, developed by the Hellenic Aerospace Industry, to bolster its air defense capabilities following a drone attack earlier this year. The Centaur system is known for its electronic detection and jamming capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Cyprus to acquire four Centaur anti-drone systems.
- Centaur systems developed by Hellenic Aerospace Industry.
- Purchase part of the SAFE program, approved by Brussels.
- System has been tested successfully in the Red Sea by the Hellenic Navy.
- Greek F-16 Vipers conduct reconnaissance patrols over Cyprus.
Why It Matters
This acquisition addresses vulnerabilities in Cyprus's air defense exposed by a recent drone attack, enhancing its capability to detect and neutralize UAV threats. The collaboration with Greece and the use of tested technology like the Centaur system signifies a strategic move to strengthen regional security and defense cooperation.
National Guard to acquire four Centaur anti-drone systems, KNEWS
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Greek F-16 Vipers conduct near-nightly patrols over Cypriot airspace. Photo credit: www.armyrecognition.com
Apostolos Tomaras
05 APRIL 2026 - 09:32
An incident earlier this year, in which an Iranian Shahed-136 drone penetrated Cyprus’s air defenses and struck the British base at Akrotiri, exposed weaknesses in the country’s air defense system. Those gaps are expected to be addressed through the purchase of a Greek system designed to detect and neutralize drones.
According to well-informed sources from Kathimerini in Nicosia, the Ministry of Defense is moving quickly to acquire four “Centaur” systems. The Greek armed forces have already installed this system on the frigate Psara, which is currently deployed in Cyprus alongside the frigate Kimon. The purchase is part of the SAFE program and has already received approval from Brussels. More details were expected in the Sunday edition of Kathimerini.
F-16 patrols
Officials in Nicosia consider the assistance from Greece highly significant, since it has helped address some of the weaknesses in Cyprus’s air defense. In addition to an identification and interception incident that was handled out of the public spotlight, Greek F-16 Viper jets conduct near-nightly reconnaissance patrols over Cyprus to monitor for potential threats.
These patrols are carried out on a rotating basis with British fighter aircraft stationed at the Akrotiri base.
The Centaur system
The anti-drone system being acquired by the National Guard was developed by the Hellenic Aerospace Industry. It has already been successfully tested during operations by the Hellenic Navy in the Red Sea against Houthi forces.
The system detects unmanned aerial vehicles electronically and creates a jamming shield that neutralizes the threat while remaining undetectable to enemy forces.
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