Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are redefining defence, making it necessary to develop domestic technological capabilities for the National Guard and to secure resilient supply chains.
Emerging technologies and domestic capacity
Speaking at a defence and innovation event on Wednesday, Palmas said artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyberdefence and space technology were reshaping defence requirements. He said developing domestic capabilities was needed to meet National Guard needs and protect the resilience of the equipment supply chain in critical sectors.
Cyprus participation in EU defence innovation
Palmas said Cyprus’ active participation in EU defence innovation was a strategic choice that helped upgrade technological systems locally. He said the country’s aim was the gradual and substantive incorporation of Cyprus’ defence industry into the European and international defence industry as a reliable partner in complex, high-quality technological products.
Programmes, projects and budgets
Palmas said Cyprus was focusing on strengthening cooperation at the national level and increasing participation in European programmes. He referred to projects including Thiseas, Dron-eye and Athens-2019, with a total budget of €900,000.
He also said Cyprus had completed six national projects in dual use technologies with a budget of €3 million, and was upgrading research infrastructure and drafting a defence industry plan in cooperation with consultants Expertise France.
Strategic choice
“The strategic choice is clear. Either we invest systematically in the future, or we are constantly reacting to it,” Palmas said. “The security of tomorrow is based on the choices we make today.”
How should Cyprus prioritise investment in domestic defence technology capabilities?
