The Air Defence exercise “TALOS 2/2022” was held with the participation of forces from the National Guard and Rafale aircraft, which were taking off from the French aircraft carrier «Charles de Qualle – CDG ».
The exercise was part of the deployment of the French Naval Force CTF-473 in Eastern Mediterranean, led by CDG, in the context of operation ANTARES for maritime surveillance.
A press release from the National Guard General staff said Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Demokritos Zervakis, accompanied by the Commander of the Air Force Command, Brigadier General (I) Marios Florides and the Commander of the Navy Command, Captain Konstantinos Gennadiou watched the exercise aboard the CDG.
The purpose of the exercise was to train air defence personnel in air force deployment tactics, to increase operational readiness in the planning and conduct of air operations.
General Demokritos congratulated participants, noting that in addition to the messages they convey on a military level, the exercise contributed in increasing cooperation in operational and tactical levels as well as the ability to coordinate, plan and carry out joint operations.
The commander was also briefed by the Commander of CTF-473, on the capabilities, mission and operations it is carrying of in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.
During the presence of the French Naval Force in the Eastern Mediterranean, a number of exercises will take place with the participation of the CTF -473 and the National Guard.
The National Guard General Staff notes that this joint activity is considered very beneficial as they allow the personnel of the National Guard and the French Forces to co-train to work together in joint operations.
It is also a proof of the excellent relations that have developed between the Cyprus Armed Forces and France as well as an indication of the mutual intention to take advantage of every opportunity to further deepen the military cooperation between the two countries.
Source: Cyprus News Agency