French fighter jets test Cyprus air defences

[Vergennes]

French fighter jets took part in a joint military exercise on Monday to test Cyprus’ air defences to better prepare the island for any possible attack.

Cypriot Defence Minister Savvas Angelides said the exercise was concrete proof of that France was a strong ally with more planned in the future.

He said Cyprus is constantly striving to highlight the role it can play in the East Mediterranean region, said today, adding that further joint exercises between the Republic and France would take place.

The National Guard conducted the air defence scenario with French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

“We attended the first phase of the joint exercise with France in which virtual targets were attacked by Rafale jets from the aircraft carrier to activate our air defence system,” Savvides told reporters Monday.

He said he was satisfied with the results of the exercise.

“We are certainly satisfied. We have spoken to the Air Force Commander and knowing that the air defence system has now been integrated into the air force we essentially have the right foundation.”

Savvides said he was glad the National Guard had the opportunity to train at such a high standard and prove it could cope in handling the scenario… “it really seems like we are at a high level.”

“France is a concrete example of the close military cooperation we have with this country…there is really an ongoing effort to show the role we can play in the region.”

He said there will be other military exercises with France related to air defence using air and naval units.

“I believe this is a continuous effort at the level of joint exercises whose sole purpose is to upgrade the National Guard.”

Savvides said Tuesday’s visit of the French Defence Minister will look at further cooperation between the two countries in security cooperation.

“We will be given the opportunity to exchange views on risk assessment in the region,” said Savvides.

Cyprus announced earlier this months that it had ordered French surface-to-air Mistral missiles as well as Exocet anti-ship missiles in a €240 mln arms deal.

https://www.financialmirror.com/2020/02/17/french-fighter-jets-test-cyprus-air-defences/

 

[Vergennes]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1229667388569812992

@Dante80 @NickGr Could you please translate what's said ? Thanks!

 

[Dante80]

It basically reiterates what was written in the article above. Some specific information about the AA systems used by the Cypriot National Guard in the test, namely Buk-1M and Tor-1M assets.

 

[UKBengali]

This is an old photo shown of the Charles De Gaulle as the Super Etendard is no longer in service.

Charles De Gaulle is a pretty powerful aircraft carrier that can carry 30 Rafales and 2-3 E2Cs at maximum load and so nothing to be ignored even for a country like Turkey with a massive military.

 

[xbat]

This is an old photo shown of the Charles De Gaulle as the Super Etendard is no longer in service.

Charles De Gaulle is a pretty powerful aircraft carrier that can carry 30 Rafales and 2-3 E2Cs at maximum load and so nothing to be ignored even for a country like Turkey with a massive military.

so ? is france preparing to attack NATO member Turkey? only Russia can dare to it in Europe .

 

[Foxtrot Delta]

So french are not knly against pakistan put also against the turks. Interesting.. new lines being drawn.

 

[Beast]

This is an old photo shown of the Charles De Gaulle as the Super Etendard is no longer in service.

Charles De Gaulle is a pretty powerful aircraft carrier that can carry 30 Rafales and 2-3 E2Cs at maximum load and so nothing to be ignored even for a country like Turkey with a massive military.

Ya... Except it's top speed is 25knots despite being nuclear.

 

[UKBengali]

Ya... Except it's top speed is 25knots despite being nuclear.

Actually 27 knots but should have been around 33-35 knots but the French cheaped out and did not want to spend money on building a dedicated nuclear reactor for 1 aircraft carrier.

 

[Mithridates]

Ya... Except it's top speed is 25knots despite being nuclear.

but does it really matter??

 

[Politico]

So french are not knly against pakistan put also against the turks. Interesting.. new lines being drawn.

Yup. Pakistan should consider nuking France

 

[UKBengali]

but does it really matter??

Maybe as in the open ocean the escort ships would have to slow down to keep pace with the carrier.

I suppose as the Charles De Gaulle will probably never get into a fight with a peer adversary like Russia or China, it probably is not relevant.

 

[Mithridates]

Maybe as in the open ocean the escort ships would have to slow down to keep pace with the carrier.

I suppose as the Charles De Gaulle will probably never get into a fight with a peer adversary like Russia or China, it probably is not relevant.

in the event of conflict the on board fighters will provide top cover for carrier, it's not like that carriers are sitting ducks. the only matter with the sailing speed would be the deployment time to conflict zone.

 

[Zane_K]

Cyprus is expanding its navel ports to cater for the Frenchies....the United States & Britain also use Cyprus as a military base for carrying out missions in the Middle East.

Part of zee biggur plan mon ami’