Does Cyprus Have a Military?
Cyprus, an island nation located in the Eastern Mediterranean, has a military force known as the Cyprus National Guard (CNG). The CNG is responsible for defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
History of the CNG
The CNG was established in 1964, shortly after Cyprus gained independence from British colonial rule. The creation of the CNG was in response to the increasing threat posed by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. The invasion, which was backed by Turkey, was triggered by a military coup d’état in Cyprus aimed at uniting the country with Greece.
Composition of the CNG
The CNG is composed of three main branches:
- Army: Responsible for land-based military operations
- Air Force: Responsible for air-based military operations
- Navy: Responsible for naval-based military operations
Strength and Size of the CNG
The CNG has a strength of approximately 40,000 active personnel. The majority of these personnel are conscripts, who serve for a period of 24 months. Women are also allowed to serve in the CNG, although they are required to serve for a period of 18 months.
Equipment and Weaponry
The CNG has a range of military equipment and weaponry, including:
- T-54/55 tanks: The CNG has a total of 36 T-54/55 tanks in its inventory.
- M48 Patton tanks: The CNG has a total of 30 M48 Patton tanks in its inventory.
- FN FAL rifles: The CNG has a total of 100,000 FN FAL rifles in its inventory.
- M60 machine guns: The CNG has a total of 500 M60 machine guns in its inventory.
- ATGMs: The CNG has a total of 100 ATGMs (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles) in its inventory.
Military Operations
The CNG is responsible for conducting various military operations, including:
- Border patrols: The CNG is responsible for patrolling the border between Cyprus and Turkey to prevent illegal crossings and smuggling.
- Counter-terrorism operations: The CNG has conducted several counter-terrorism operations in recent years to disrupt the activities of extremist groups operating in the country.
- Peacekeeping missions: The CNG has participated in several international peacekeeping missions, including those in Lebanon and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
International Relations and Defense Agreements
Cyprus has several international defense agreements, including:
- Ankara Agreement: Signed with Turkey in 1960, the Ankara Agreement provides for mutual defense obligations between the two countries.
- NATO cooperation: Cyprus has cooperated with NATO on various military issues, including exercises and training programs.
- EU defense cooperation: Cyprus has participated in various EU defense cooperation initiatives, including the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
Cyprus and the Conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean
Cyprus has been at the center of several international disputes in recent years, including the conflict over the natural gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey has been accused of exploring for oil and gas in the waters off Cyprus’ coast without the permission of the Cypriot government. The CNG has been involved in several diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute, including negotiations with Turkey and the European Union.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cyprus does have a military, known as the Cyprus National Guard. The CNG has a strength of approximately 40,000 active personnel and is responsible for defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The CNG has a range of military equipment and weaponry and is involved in various military operations, including border patrols and peacekeeping missions.
