Cyprus's 11 Mi-35P attack helicopters have been grounded, local media reported in late October. The helicopters did not fly during Cyprus Independence Day on 1 October.
On 24 October, the SigmaLive news website published a statement by Cypriot National Guard Deputy Chief of Staff Brigadier General Gabriel Dimitriou: "The problem with the operational availability of the helicopters is temporary and involves replacing spare parts that are affecting flight safety ... the Ministry of Defence is already looking for a solution and helicopters will be airworthy again soon."
Analysis
Cyprus acquired 12 Mi-35P helicopters from Russia in 2002. One crashed in 2006 and the remaining 11 form the 450th Helicopter Squadron's 2nd Platoon at Paphos civil-military airport.
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