On Monday, May 20th, 2024, a joint Search and Rescue (SAR) exercise called "CYFRA 03/24" was conducted by Cyprus and France.
The exercise is under the framework of the defense cooperation program between the two countries and was conducted in a sea area within the Search and Rescue Region of the Republic of Cyprus under the coordination of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center. The exercise was executed with the participation of the French Ship “SURCOUF”, OPV Ioannides of Navy Command, AW-139 helicopter from the 460 SAR Squadron of the Airforce Command of the National Guard General Staff, as well as a “MEDEVAC” Specialized Team of the Ambulance Service of the State Health Services Organization.
The main goal of the exercise was to further improve the long-lasting cooperation in SAR matters between the Republic of Cyprus and the French Republic’s aeronautical forces as well as to train the SAR assets and crews on the operational procedures followed during joint rescue operations.
SAREX "CYFRA 03/24" is the third joint training in 2024 between Cyprus and France focusing on Search and Rescue.
