Cypriot National Guard

The Cypriot National Guard's Mi-35 Hind and SA342 Gazelle attack helicopters are very rarely reported on. Dirk Jan de Ridder and Menso van Westrhenen visit what may well be the European Union's most exotic attack helicopter squadron, a unit that has never left national territory for operations or training exercises

By legend the birthplace of the Ancient Greek goddess of love, Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the north in response to a military coup backed by the Greek government. Northern Cyprus is run by Turkish Cypriots and is internationally only recognised as a separate entity by Turkey. Divided by a 'Green Line' patrolled by United Nations troops, the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus covers the southern two-thirds of the island. Reunification talks continue to take place, but they have made little progress.

Twelve Mi-35P 'Hind-F' helicopters entered service in the Republic of Cyprus from August 2001 after its pilots had been trained in Russia by the Russian Army. As early as 1999 rumours had started to appear about a possible purchase of South African Rooivalk attack helicopters. A year later the Ministry of Defence turned its mind to the Russian market, after having issues to close the deal with South Africa. The National Guard was then initially interested in the Kamov Ka-50 (NATO codename 'Hokum'), but a study concluded that the Mi-24 'Hind' or Mi-28 'Havoc' would better suit its needs. American attack helicopters were never considered due to an arms embargo that has been in force since the 1974 invasion. That embargo was partially lifted in 2015, but only for defensive weapons. A European country allegedly offered to sell attack helicopters, but this never materialised and the Cypriot National Guard opted for the Mi-35P Hind, an export designation of the Mi-24P. The Mi-35's presence in the Cypriot National Guard was initially kept secret until the next year when they appeared in a fly-past during a general's funeral. The squadron became fully operational during that same year.