The Cyprus National Guard has officially inducted two H-10 Poseidon unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into service, according to local media reports. The surveillance drones are produced by Cypriot defense manufacturer Swarmly Aero, marking a significant step in strengthening Cyprus’ indigenous defense capabilities and expanding the military’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets.
Designed for day and night operations in complex environments, the H-10 Poseidon can operate at altitudes of up to 5 kilometers and has an operational range of 50 kilometers. The UAV is optimized for reconnaissance, target acquisition, and fire coordination, enabling artillery units to receive real-time intelligence on enemy positions, movements, and battlefield dynamics.
The drone features low-observable characteristics, including a reduced thermal footprint and minimal radar cross-section, enhancing survivability in contested airspace. It is also equipped with advanced anti-jamming and anti-spoofing systems, allowing continued mission execution even in electronically degraded environments. If GPS signals are disrupted, the system can seamlessly transition to alternative satellite navigation solutions, ensuring operational resilience.
Beyond domestic deployment, the H-10 Poseidon has already seen combat use in Ukraine, where more than 200 units have reportedly been delivered, alongside additional exports to Indonesia. Meanwhile, Cyprus continues to modernize its armed forces through foreign acquisitions, including the delivery of H145M multirole helicopters from Airbus. These efforts follow a U.S. policy shift in early 2025 that granted Cyprus broader access to foreign military sales, aimed at enhancing national security and reinforcing stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
