A joint Search and Rescue (SAR) Exercise, titled “CYPFRA-01/16,” will be conducted on Friday, south-east of Cyprus, with the participation of SAR Units and Personnel from the Republic of Cyprus and France, the defence ministry announced.

The ministry said that the Frigate «ACONIT» as well as naval and air SAR units of the Republic of Cyprus, will take part in the Aeronautical SAR Exercise under the operational control and coordination of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Larnaca, in close cooperation with the French frigate.

The scenario deals with a simulated maritime accident in which the Cyprus National SAR Plan NEARCHOS, would be immediately implemented by the JRCC Larnaca in order to confront the situation. Specifically, the exercise will focus on daylight SAR operations, MEDEVAC emergency drills and deck-landing of the SAR Helicopters of the Republic of Cyprus on board the frigate.

This will be the first exercise on SAR matters in 2016. Last year five SAR exercises were conducted by the JRCC Larnaca (which represents the SAR system of Cyprus) and the French Navy. (CNA)