Cyprus Deploys IAI Developed Barak MX System to Fill Critical Air Defence Gaps

The Barak MX, has been developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The deployment addresses Cyprus’ strategic need to replace and supplement ageing Russian-made air defence systems and fills critical air defence gaps in response to evolving regional threats.

The Barak MX system protects against a range of aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles, aircraft, and some types of ballistic missiles, with the ER variant capable of intercepting targets at ranges up to 150 kilometres.

Cyprus conducted a phased rollout and operational integration, ensuring the system works alongside existing Buk-M1, Tor-M1, and Mistral defences.

The final deliveries were completed by September 2025 and video evidence, as well as statements from Cypriot officials, confirm that the system is active and forms the core of the National Guard’s multi-layered air defence strategy.

The deployment is a significant upgrade over previous Russian systems, giving Cyprus much broader and modern coverage, and enabling the possibility of enforcing a no-fly zone over national airspace.

Turkey has issued strong warnings, seeing the deployment as a shift in the Eastern Mediterranean power balance, and is closely monitoring strategic sites where the Barak MX has been positioned.

During the recent 12 days war with Iran the Israeli navy is took a very active part in the effort to protect Israel from weapon systems launched by Iran.

During this war for the first time, an interception was carried out using the long range version of the ‘Barak MX .

This system in cooperation with advanced sensors were operationally employed. The interceptor, which is installed on the INS Sa’ar 6 missile ship, is capable of countering a wide range of threats, including UAVs, cruise missiles, high-trajectory threats, shore-to-sea missiles, and more.

The Israeli system has become a best seller with clients like Morocco and Slovakia.