Following the policy directives of the Ministry of Defence, the National Guard is advancing a process to accelerate modernisation, with emphasis on increasing deterrent capability and operational readiness, through the utilisation of new technologies and modern weapons systems, notes the Force Commander, Emmanouel Theodorou.
In his interview with Phileleftheros, the Lieutenant General explains how the National Guard continuously evaluates and adapts to contemporary developments, providing the State with reliable options for confronting any challenge.
He highlights the Republic of Cyprus’s collaborations with other countries, noting that they constitute a substantial tool for operational upgrading, exchange of expertise and interoperability. He emphasises that these collaborations also reveal another dimension for the Cypriot State: they contribute to shaping an environment of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The National Guard Commander positively assesses the contribution of these collaborations to the Cypriot defence industry sector as well, as they create opportunities for domestic industries.
He also views the cooperation programme with the US positively, which provides for the conduct of exercises, joint training, exchange of expertise on specialised matters of mutual interest and personnel participation in schools and seminars both in Cyprus and America, which promote interoperability and training standards.
He considers the lifting of restrictions on the procurement of defence equipment from the United States a significant development for the National Guard’s needs.
Geostrategic balances are changing, as are conditions in the Defence and Security sector. How is the National Guard adapting to this new order?
Rapid developments in the international security environment, both in Europe and in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, directly affect the Republic of Cyprus. International confrontations are characterised, beyond their classical form through diplomatic, economic and military means, by the extensive use of new technologies with asymmetric and hybrid characteristics.
Taking these factors into account, we are planning our next steps, because the National Guard must evolve and adapt. Following the policy directives of the Ministry of Defence, a process is underway to accelerate modernisation, with emphasis on increasing deterrent capability and operational readiness, through the utilisation of new technologies and modern weapons systems. At the same time, the deepening of international collaborations functions as a catalyst for stability in our immediate environment.
Success requires, as I mentioned earlier, methodical planning and realistic utilisation of available resources, in a continuous process of adaptation to contemporary conditions.
We know the challenges, but we also know the opportunities. Our mission remains clear: to safeguard the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and to contribute to the stability and security of Cypriot society.
Is the National Guard a capable and combat-ready deterrent force for the Republic of Cyprus? What are your initial conclusions following your assumption of duties?
In the three months since assuming my duties, I have now formed a clear picture: yes, the National Guard constitutes a combat-ready deterrent force. This is primarily due to our human resources, which constitute our main force multiplier. The high level of professionalism, discipline and training make our people the principal factor in successfully executing our mission.
And when I say human resources, we must include our reservists and national guardsmen—people with faith in the Homeland and the National Guard, who give their best selves whenever called upon at the expense of their personal time and individual needs. Deterrent capability is not an abstract concept. It requires modern means, capable people and hard work. The National Guard continuously evaluates and adapts to contemporary developments, providing the State with reliable options for confronting any challenge.
How much have collaborations and joint exercises with other countries strengthened the National Guard and its personnel? With which countries is there cooperation?
International collaborations substantially upgrade the National Guard. They do not simply constitute institutional contacts, but are a substantial tool for operational upgrading, exchange of expertise and interoperability. Joint training, joint exercises and personnel exchanges with the Armed Forces of other countries, such as Greece, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, France, the United Kingdom, the US and several others strengthen our operational sufficiency and give us the ability to improve procedures, techniques and tactics, but most importantly fill us with confidence seeing our personnel standing with great success alongside the personnel of countries with great military tradition and experience.
Cyprus, due to its geostrategic position, despite its small size, is an active security factor. This is reflected both in bilateral schemes and in multilateral initiatives. At the same time, we participate in all European Union operations and our presence in UNIFIL is steady. The National Guard actively participates in military activities within the framework of the Union’s Common Foreign Defence and Security Policy, having an active role and voice, both in the decision-making process and in their implementation.
What does the recent collaboration with France and Israel mean, and the participation in equipment programmes of Cypriot defence industries?
The collaboration with France and Israel constitutes one of the most substantial aspects of military diplomacy developed in recent years. Both countries possess advanced Armed Forces, high expertise, mature defence industries with top-tier weapons systems and valuable experience in conducting modern operations. For the National Guard, this collaboration translates into practical operational value: joint training, exchange of experiences, the possibility of acquiring cutting-edge technology weapons systems and enhancement of interoperability.
At the same time, for the Republic of Cyprus it has an additional dimension: it contributes to shaping an environment of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. Strengthening these collaborations also creates opportunities for Cypriot defence industries. This is particularly critical, as the development of domestic defence expertise and production capacity constitutes a strategic objective. Cyprus possesses innovation and access to European funding instruments, which can be utilised with appropriate programmes.
How do you expect the SAFE programme to be utilised and what does this mean for the National Guard?
The SAFE programme constitutes an important European initiative, with funding instruments addressed exclusively to European Union member states, with the aim of strengthening their defence capabilities and gradually achieving European strategic autonomy.
Through SAFE, Cyprus is given opportunities to access funding resources for equipment programmes, through which the National Guard will significantly renew its arsenal, integrate new technologies into its operations, and overall improve its combat power.
The Ministry of Defence and the National Guard General Staff are working in coordination and specific proposals have already been submitted in a programme which I consider perfectly balanced and distributed across basic and urgent modernisation needs of our means.
How important is the cooperation with the US and the lifting of the arms sales ban for the National Guard? How will this development be utilised?
With the US there is a special relationship developing very rapidly in recent years. With the signing of the agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and the State of New Jersey in 2023, Cyprus became the 100th member of the United States’ State Partnership Programme—SPP.
This cooperation programme, among other things, provides for the conduct of exercises, joint training, exchange of expertise on specialised matters of mutual interest and personnel participation in schools and seminars both in Cyprus and America, which promote interoperability and training standards.
At the same time, the lifting of restrictions on the procurement of defence equipment from the United States constitutes a particularly significant development. It concerns not only access to specific weapons systems, but primarily the upgrading of the institutional framework of cooperation on defence and security matters, establishing Cyprus’s position as a reliable regional partner and security factor.
Regarding the opportunity provided to us for procurement of military equipment from US surplus, the National Guard has identified equipment of interest, which concerns tactical mobility of units, the conduct of naval operations, aerial firefighting and the capabilities to provide support for humanitarian operations.
What modernisation steps are being taken for the National Guard at an operational level as well as in equipment?
The National Guard is a living organism which continuously evolves and modernises. Modernisation is implemented in parallel across three levels.
The first is organisational, with emphasis on improving force structure, processes and practices upon which our actions are based.
The second is the infrastructure sector, where projects are being implemented that will support human resources, equipment and new technologies.
And the third level is the equipment I referred to earlier. In full alignment with the Political Leadership and based on available resources, a multi-year modernisation programme is being implemented, with the objective of maintaining critical systems in operational condition and procuring new means, when and where this is deemed necessary.
At the same time, upgrading and modernisation of personnel and soldier training is being implemented, so that they become capable fighters on the new digital battlefield. Our aim is to be in a position to meet the demands of the present and to create prerequisites so that we can confront the challenges of the future.
In summary, our modernisation is based on detailed evaluation each time of the situation, realistic goal-setting, optimal utilisation of available resources and continuous assessment of the work produced so that we overcome rigidities and proceed with speed.
Are there specific needs in equipment programmes? Which sectors are given priority?
Equipment needs are always a function of the mission, the operational environment and available resources. The National Guard has a multi-year modernisation programme, which is being implemented gradually and methodically, with the objective of maximally utilising what the State provides us, from the sacrifice of the Cypriot people.
Our priorities are shaped across three axes: strengthening deterrent capability, maintaining critical systems in full operational condition and utilising new technologies.
For obvious reasons it is not advisable to refer to specific systems. What I can say with certainty is that our planning is realistic, targeted and allows the National Guard to respond to contemporary operational requirements. The effort is focused on the balanced confrontation of threats on land, sea and air whilst additionally strengthening communications and information capabilities.
How important is the acquisition of anti-drone systems and the creation of an anti-aircraft dome for Cyprus’s defence?
It is certain that the operational environment has changed significantly. Unmanned means, information systems, the extensive use of cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum have altered the way operations are conducted internationally. The National Guard closely monitors these developments and adapts its planning.
Protection from unmanned systems and the development of integrated anti-drone capabilities clearly constitute a priority. Confronting such threats is not one-dimensional but requires detection, jamming, interception technologies and is based both on systems and on procedures.
In cooperation with the Political Leadership, we are studying solutions that serve our operational planning and which are at various stages of maturation. The National Guard is methodically incorporating developments, always with its operational mission as a guiding principle.
How much does the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean cause concern?
The Eastern Mediterranean is a region with high geopolitical value and complex balances. Tensions, rivalries, changing alliances and emerging risks are observed. This reality does not permit complacency. The National Guard closely monitors developments, evaluates data with composure and is in readiness to confront any situation.
Our mission is specific: the safeguarding of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and the protection of Cyprus and our fellow citizens. As Force Commander I want to be clear, concern must not be transformed into insecurity, but into vigilance. We must continue unaffected our efforts for the progress and prosperity of our island, each from our own post.
Cooperation with Police
Can the National Guard contribute to confronting threats such as irregular migration and terrorism?
Contemporary threats are not limited to the traditional field of military operations but are multi-level. Irregular migration, terrorism, hybrid threats, disinformation and cyber-attacks constitute aspects of a new security spectrum.
The involvement and assistance of the Armed Forces, which possess expertise, experience and appropriate equipment, is an international practice.
The National Guard’s contribution to the effective support of the state mechanism for confronting every type of crisis is given, immediate and multifaceted.
Characteristic examples of successful inter-agency cooperation are the immediate synergy with the Police in confronting migration flows and the assumption of the aerial firefighting aircraft share.
Capable force
What message would you like to send to Cypriot citizens as National Guard Commander?
I would tell them to have confidence in the National Guard and in its ability to defend the interests of the Republic of Cyprus. The National Guard is the common property of all Cypriot citizens and the responsibility for it to remain strong is collective. Programme, hard work and measurable results daily for a National Guard that makes us all proud.
After struggles, much toil and continuous support from successive Governments and the Cypriot people, the National Guard, utilising contemporary technological developments and staffed by trained and conscientious personnel, has today become a credible Force, a fact which is recognised by our international partners.
The National Guard is not a spectator but part of the collective effort for a secure environment and for a Cyprus that progresses. At the same time, our participation in European and international initiatives strengthens our country’s role as a pillar of stability in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.
Our mission is sacred. We serve it with dedication, methodical approach and faith in our principles and our history.