The signing of the Agreement for the Supply of six H145M Light Attack Helicopters[/B] from Airbus Helicopters took place on Friday at the Ministry of Defence, with the right to exercise an option to acquire six more, with Defence Minister Haralambos Petrides calling it a "significant day" for Cyprus' defence and the development of defence cooperation with France.
A statement from the Ministry of Defence said the H145M light attack helicopter, capable of operating in demanding environments day and night, will enhance the AF's capabilities for rapid response, massed fire, engaging targets with precision and performing close support and intelligence gathering missions.
In his address, Defence Minister Haralambos Petrides said that today is an important day both for the Defence of Cyprus and for the development of our defence cooperation with France.
The acquisition of the H145M fighter helicopters deepens our partnership with France and marks the beginning of a new chapter in our historic and long-standing relationship in the field of defence and security, he added.
He expressed his great satisfaction with today's development which marks a new era for the Air Force, he said, adding that despite the unfavourable international economic conditions, on the basis of the direction and personal support of President Nicos Anastasiades, we are steadily and step by step implementing our defence and armament programme.
"Our immediate goal is to qualitatively upgrade the capabilities of the National Guard, with modern means, equipment and capabilities to make it a reliable deterrent and defensive force," he said.
"The ongoing Turkish provocativeness combined with Turkey's revisionist tendency and the ongoing occupation leave us no room for complacency."
"The ongoing Turkish provocativeness combined with Turkey's revisionist tendency and the ongoing occupation leave us no room for complacency. We must have a strong deterrent capability for the defence and security of our country and our citizens," he added.
The FM said that with the acquisition of the new Airbus fighter helicopters, we will also be able to strengthen our existing framework of numerous international and regional cooperation, building interoperability with states in the region, participating in exercises and multinational activities, thus contributing positively to the security and stability of the region and noted that this year we have allocated the highest amount in the last 20 years for defense equipment.
He concluded by saying that we will work to further strengthen, broaden and deepen our defence cooperation with France and other EU member states both bilaterally and at the European level following the adoption of the Compass Strategy and the goal of strengthening European autonomy.By investing in defence we invest in security and prosperity.
French Ambassador to Cyprus Salina Grenet-Catalano expressed confidence that through this agreement security and regional stability will be strengthened and that European defence and bilateral defence partnership will be further enhanced.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence by Director General Andreas Louka and on behalf of Airbus Helicopters by Executive Vice President Olivier Michalon.
Πηγή: KYPE
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