Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus is set to expand defence industrial cooperation with France through programmes reportedly valued at around 800 million euros under the EU’s SAFE security funding mechanism. The planned agreements form part of the broader Security Action for Europe framework, which allows Cyprus to access up to 1.181 billion euros in borrowing between 2026 and 2030.
SAFE funding framework
According to Simerini, about 800 million euros of the total amount is expected to be allocated to joint programmes with France, representing roughly two thirds of the available funding.
Military cooperation framework
The cooperation is linked to the recently signed Status of Force Agreement between Cyprus and France, which establishes a framework for expanded military collaboration, including joint exercises and the hosting of French forces on Cypriot territory.
Officials have said that existing infrastructure, including facilities at Mari, may be further developed to support these activities.
Minister’s remarks
Speaking ahead of a visit to Paris for a defence industry exhibition, Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas said bilateral cooperation with France continues to expand at both political and military levels.
He said the SAFE framework offers significant opportunities for industrial collaboration and confirmed that Cyprus is seeking to secure participation by local industry in joint production schemes.
Palmas said Cyprus has stressed that countries involved in the production of various armament programmes should seek collaborators and partners from the Cypriot defence industry.
Planned production areas
The planned co-production areas include ammunition such as artillery shells, unmanned aerial systems including loitering munitions, armoured and other military vehicles, radar systems for air and coastal defence, electronic warfare systems, and mine clearance technologies.