Cypriot Navy Special Forces Complete Training Amid Regional Security Push

Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas attended a graduation ceremony at the Evangelos Florakis naval base in Mari, marking the completion of training for the 86th class of the Underwater Demolition Team (OYK). The event saw new recruits formally join the National Guard's specialized maritime units after undergoing intensive preparation for amphibious and maritime operations. During his address, Minister Palmas emphasized Cyprus's commitment to enhancing regional stability and safeguarding national sovereign rights amidst a geopolitical landscape marked by instability and lingering consequences of the Turkish invasion. He highlighted ongoing government efforts to modernize defense infrastructure, including upgrades to naval and air facilities, to reinforce the country's strategic presence in the Levant. The minister praised the graduates for their discipline and determination, noting that these enhancements are crucial for maintaining operational readiness and contributing substantially to regional security. This development underscores Cyprus's focus on strengthening its defense posture in response to multiple hotbeds of tension in the Eastern Mediterranean.