Paphos, Cyprus. National Guard chief lieutenant general Emmanouel Theodorou said on Thursday that military strength depends not only on acquiring advanced weapons systems and equipment, but also on maintaining them to ensure reliability and operational readiness. Speaking at an aviation conference in Paphos, he said engineers and technicians play a fundamental role in flight safety and readiness.
Maintenance and operational readiness
Addressing the conference at the Andreas Papandreou air base, Theodorou said the daily work of engineers and technicians underpins every safe flight. He said they work with a high sense of responsibility, professionalism and expertise.
He also highlighted the leadership’s decision to designate 2026 as the “Year of Maintenance”, describing the initiative as an effort to strengthen a culture of technical excellence and emphasise the importance of maintenance as a key pillar of operational readiness.
Progress in airworthiness
Theodorou said the National Guard’s Aviation Command had made significant progress in airworthiness by aligning its procedures with modern international standards and practices. He added that continued investment in knowledge, quality and safety remained necessary.
The remarks were made during the opening of a conference titled Strategic Integration of the Airworthiness Regulatory Framework into Aircraft Maintenance and Operations, organised by the Aviation Command.
Conference focus
The event was attended by senior National Guard officers, academics, experts and guests from Cyprus and abroad. It focused on current challenges and developments in airworthiness, aircraft maintenance and the application of European military standards aimed at enhancing aviation safety and operational readiness.
Theodorou said he was confident the conference would provide an important platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience and contribute to further strengthening the capabilities of the Aviation Command.
Aviation Command remarks
Also addressing participants, Aviation Command chief brigadier (pilot) Alexandros Georgiou said the conference offered an opportunity to exchange expertise and reflect on an area at the core of the Cyprus Air Force’s operations.
He said air power was not merely the result of acquiring advanced aircraft and technologies, but depended above all on the dedication and professionalism of personnel responsible for ensuring the reliability and readiness of air assets.
