Israel and Cyprus Sign Major Defense Export Deal for Naval Vessels

By קובי פינקלר

Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba

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Hebrew · 8 newsrooms covering

Israel and Cyprus signed a defense export deal on Monday in Cyprus, where Israel will supply a new advanced naval patrol vessel and upgrade an existing one. The agreement, led by defense ministries, aims to enhance Cyprus's maritime security and search and rescue capabilities. Key officials from both nations and defense industries attended the signing ceremony.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Israel will supply Cyprus with a new advanced naval patrol vessel and upgrade an existing one.
The defense export deal was signed by Israeli and Cypriot Ministry of Defense officials.
The new vessel will be equipped with naval systems from Rafael.
The agreement aims to enhance Cyprus's maritime security and search and rescue capabilities.
Key defense industry leaders from Israel and Cyprus attended the signing ceremony.

Israel and Cyprus Sign Major Defense Export Deal for Naval Vessels — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Israel and Cyprus have officially signed a significant defense export agreement, under which Israel will supply Cyprus with an advanced naval patrol vessel (OPV). The deal, facilitated by the Israeli Ministry of Defense's Directorate of Defense Production and Procurement (SIBAT) and the Cypriot Ministry of Defence's Armament and Defense Capabilities Management Directorate, was finalized in a ceremony in Cyprus on Monday.

Under the agreement, signed by Israeli Ministry of Defense Director General Amir Yaron and his Cypriot counterpart, Stelios Kontouris, Israel will provide Cyprus with a new patrol vessel manufactured by Israel Shipyards. This vessel will be equipped with various naval systems from Rafael. Additionally, the existing patrol vessel in Cyprus's fleet, also built by Israel Shipyards, will undergo an upgrade of its systems.

The signing ceremony was attended by key figures including Yair Kulas, Head of SIBAT; Shuli Davidovich, the Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus; Eitan Zuker, CEO of Israel Shipyards; Ran Tabor, Head of the Naval Systems Directorate at Rafael; and other senior officials.

A statement from the Israeli Ministry of Defense highlighted the agreement as a crucial step in bolstering the operational capabilities of the Cypriot Navy and enhancing its ability to address maritime security challenges. The new patrol vessel, along with the upgraded IOANNIDES, will support expanded missions in patrol, surveillance, search, and rescue operations. The ministry emphasized that by strengthening their capabilities and deepening their partnership, both nations reaffirm their commitment to regional stability.