The Cyprus National Guard has received two H-10 Poseidon surveillance drones as a donation from Cypriot manufacturer Swarmly Aero. This delivery highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing national security capabilities and follows its significant contributions to the Ukrainian military, where over 200 of these drones have already been deployed.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
H-10 poseidon: Showcasing New Capabilities
The official handover ceremony took place on Monday at the Patroclos Kokkinos camp in Mosfiloti, the headquarters of the 195th Artillery Observation Battery. Attendees included members of the Defence Committee and officials from the Defence Ministry, who gathered for the event that featured a memorial service, speeches, and a flight demonstration of the drones.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Strategic Investment in National Security
National Guard Chief Emmanuel Theodorou expressed gratitude towards Swarmly Aero for what he termed a significant investment in the nation’s defence. He noted that the H-10 Poseidon is already operational in Ukraine, where it has proven effective in high-intensity combat situations.
“The unmanned aircraft Poseidon is already being used in real conditions on the Ukrainian front and has met the requirements of a modern, high-intensity operational environment,” Theodorou remarked, underscoring the drone’s operational relevance.
Enhancing Artillery Capabilities
The integration of the H-10 Poseidon into the Artillery Observation Battery will enhance the National Guard’s artillery capabilities by providing rapid, accurate targeting and access to real-time information. Theodorou elaborated that modern warfare necessitates such advancements, where the efficiency of artillery power is not merely reliant on calibre or range, but significantly depends on timely and precise data.
Specifications and Operational Features
The H-10 Poseidon is designed to operate at altitudes of up to five kilometres with a range of 50 kilometres. Its operational capabilities are effective both day and night, even under challenging environmental conditions. The drones are tasked with observation, target indication, and target correction missions.
One of the key features of the H-10 Poseidon is its ability to transmit real-time data to all National Guard artillery units. This capability offers precise information regarding target locations and movements, a significant upgrade from the previous operational capabilities, fundamentally transforming how artillery units coordinate and respond in the field.
Advanced Technology for Stealth Operations
The H-10 Poseidon boasts low detectability, making it difficult for adversaries to locate. This is achieved through a design that limits thermal signatures and reduces electromagnetic wave reflection, rendering it nearly invisible to both the naked eye and modern surveillance systems.
The drone’s aerodynamic shape and specific colouration are purposeful, aimed at minimising visibility in high-threat environments. Furthermore, the aircraft includes cutting-edge internal anti-jamming and anti-spoofing systems that significantly enhance its resilience against electronic warfare tactics.
GPS Navigation and Operational Flexibility
While the H-10 Poseidon is equipped with GPS navigation capabilities, operators have the option to disable this system if signals are compromised. This feature allows the drone to continue its flight using alternative satellite navigation systems, enhancing its operational flexibility in contested environments.
Swarmly Aero: Pioneering Exporter of Unmanned Aircraft
Swarmly Aero’s contributions extend beyond Cyprus, with over 200 H-10 Poseidon drones supplied to the Ukrainian Army. Additionally, the firm has begun exporting to countries such as Indonesia. According to company CEO Gary Rafalovsky, these efforts position Swarmly as the largest exporter of unmanned aircraft from a European state to nations outside the European Union.
The delivery of the H-10 Poseidon drones marks a significant step for the Cyprus National Guard in enhancing its surveillance and operational capabilities. As global military dynamics evolve, local advancements in defence technology play a crucial role in ensuring national security.
