In major challenge for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is seemingly on a mission to establish Turkey’s hegemony over the its weaker neighboring countries, Cyprus has acquired the Barak MX air defense from Israel to replace its outdated Russian-made air defense system.
Developed and manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Barak MX, is an integrated air and missile defence system for naval and land use. The Israeli-made system features advanced interceptors and multi-sensor capabilities to protect against a variety of aerial threats, including Turkey’s much-hyped advanced killer drones, making it potential gamechanger in the tussle between Turkey and Cyprus.
According to the IAI, the Barak MX air defense system, apart from intercepting cruise missiles, is also capable of shooting down other aerial threats such as military drones at a range of up to 150 km. The company describes the Barak MX as a “cutting-edge integrated air defence system, is a fully network-centric solution, featuring an open system architecture and modular design, seamlessly integrating various sensors, battle management, and interceptors into a unified system”.
“The unique connectivity of BARAK MX allows for the expansion of defended areas by interconnecting multiple units, enabling fire units to rely on each other’s assets to engage targets beyond the individual reach of each unit. It also enables the integration of Ground-Based Air Defences (GBAD) and Naval Air defences under a joint multi-layered network, enhancing them and denying enemy access or missile attacks.”
As per the manufacturer, unlike air-to-air missiles, which were converted to surface-to-air use, the Barak MX interceptors were originally designed as surface-to-air missiles “with an optimal size and diameter, which is larger than the airborne restricted air-to-air missiles.”
The Israeli air defense system can shoot down enemy fighter jets, helicopters, drones, anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles and some types of ballistic missiles.
The state-of-the-art air defense system has undoubtedly enhanced Cyprus’ aerial defense and deterrence capabilities, and gives the island nation, the option to establish a no-fly zone in its airspace. Israel has supplied the Barak MX system to Cyprus and at least one battery is already operational, according to media reports.
Additionally, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) will train Cyprus Air Force, which had been using the Tor M1 air defense system till now, to use the Barak MX system. The deal between Israel and Cyprus had been negotiated in 2021, they said.
Meanwhile, Greece, another neighbour reportedly being “bullied” by Turkey, is also engaged in talks with Israel to acquire air defense systems, either the David’s Sling, the Spider, or the Barak MX system.
Tensions have been high between Turkey and Cyprus since 1974 when a coup divided the island nation into two parts — the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is officially recognised by Turkey, and the Republic of Cyprus in the southern part of the island, which is a member of the European Union.
Notably, India also uses the Barak MX air defense system, which is deployed on several Indian warships. The Israeli Navy uses the Barak system under the name Barak Megan.
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