Greek Cypriots Test New Attack Helicopter

NICOSIA, Cyprus -- The Greek Cypriot military exercise Nikiforos went into full swing Friday, with Russian-made attack helicopters making their first official appearance in large-scale maneuvers. The annual exercise, which started on Oct. 18, had been canceled each year since 2001 to avoid increasing tension between Cyprus and Turkey.

The Mil-Mi35 helicopter gunships fired missiles shortly before the Russian-made T-80 main battle tanks rumbled into action at the Kalo Chorio firing range near Larnaca.

Cyprus' National Guard also used Gazelle helicopters equipped with anti-tank missiles, AMX-30B2 tanks, BMP-3 armored infantry fighting vehicles, and self-propelled artillery.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the island following a failed coup staged by supporters of union with Greece.

Around 25,000 reservists were taking part in the exercise, which ended Sunday.