Multinational army exercise wraps up

A multinational aeronautical exercise in which Cyprus took part has been concluded, the ministry of defence said on Monday.

The drill took place in the maritime area of Crete with the participation of aeronautical units from Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, France and Saudi Arabia.

The national guard said the exercise, called Medusa, ran from October 11 to 20.

The national guard participated with the Ioannides high seas patrol boat and a special operations group.

On Saturday, October 19, the final phase of the exercise was held simultaneously with a distinguished visitors day, attended by National Guard Chief Lt General Georgios Tsitsikostas, Greek National Defence Chief General Demetrios Houpis, Egyptian Chief of Armed Forced Lt General Ahmed Fathy Ibrahim Khalifa, Commander of the French Naval Forces in the Mediterranean (CECMED) Vice Admiral Christophe Lucas and Commander of the Western Fleet of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Rear Admiral Mansour Alijuaid.

The chiefs of defence attended activities at sea, on board the Greek navy frigate Kountouriotis.

During the exercise, operational scenarios were executed, which included naval boarding, amphibious landing, and mock air attacks by helicopters and fighter aircraft.

“The exercise contributed to enhancing interoperability and cooperation between the armed forces of the participating countries at operational and tactical levels, as well as the ability to coordinate joint actions by planning and conducting a wide range of aeronautical operations, contributing to the common goal of security and stability in the Greater Horn of Africa region,” the national guard concluded.