Israel to Equip Cypriot Navy with Advanced Patrol Ship for €150 Million
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Israel and Cyprus signed a €150 million defense export deal for an advanced patrol ship and system upgrades for existing vessels. The agreement aims to enhance the Cypriot Navy's maritime security capabilities. Additionally, Cyprus is being considered as a location for Israeli defense companies to establish factories and headquarters, potentially boosting the Cypriot economy and its defense infrastructure.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel will supply Cyprus with an advanced patrol ship and upgrade existing vessels for approximately €150 million.
- The deal aims to strengthen the Cypriot Navy's operational capabilities and maritime security.
- Cyprus is being considered as a potential location for Israeli defense industry factories and management headquarters.
- The move is driven by Cyprus's EU membership, proximity to Israel, and Hellenic ties.
- The agreement was signed by the defense ministries of Israel and Cyprus in Nicosia.
Israel and Cyprus have signed a significant defense export agreement worth approximately 150 million euros. Under the deal, Israel will supply Cyprus with an advanced offshore patrol vessel (OPV) manufactured by Israel Shipyards and equipped with naval systems from Rafael. Additionally, existing patrol vessels in the Cypriot Navy, also built by Israel Shipyards, will undergo system upgrades.
The agreement was formalized in Nicosia by the Director General of Israel's Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Yatom, and his Cypriot counterpart, Stelios Kontouris, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Cypriot Ministry of Defense. The deal was facilitated by the Directorate of Defense Production (SIBAT) within the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Cypriot Ministry of Defense's armament and defense capabilities development administration.
The signing ceremony was attended by SIBAT head Brig. Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas, Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus Shuli Davidovich, Israel Shipyards CEO Eitan Zuker, and Ran Tabor, Head of the Naval Systems Directorate at Rafael, among other dignitaries. This pact is expected to bolster the Cypriot Navy's operational capabilities, enhancing its ability to manage maritime security challenges, including patrol, surveillance, search, and rescue missions.
Beyond the immediate naval deal, Cyprus is emerging as a potential hub for Israeli defense industries. Reports suggest that major Israeli defense firms are considering establishing new factories and management headquarters on the island. This strategic move is driven by Cyprus's proximity to Israel, its strong ties with Hellenic nations, and its status as an EU member state. Such a presence is crucial for participation in the EU's SAFE program, which offers financing for defense deals up to 150 billion euros, provided a significant portion is sourced from EU countries or Ukraine.
The potential establishment of Israeli industrial facilities and administrative centers in Cyprus was a key topic during President Yitzhak Herzog's recent visit. For Cyprus, hosting these strategic infrastructures from companies like Elbit, Israel Aerospace Industries, and Rafael promises dual benefits: economic growth through job creation and tax revenue, and a strengthening of its modern defense capabilities, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with Turkey.
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