Christodoulides says upgrading Cyprus’ deterrent capabilities remains a top priority

Nicosia, Cyprus. Upgrading Cyprus’ deterrent capabilities remains a “top priority”, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday, highlighting increased defence spending and efforts to modernise the National Guard. He was speaking at a meeting with Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias at the presidential palace ahead of the Independence Day military parade.

Defence modernisation and spending

Christodoulides said Cyprus was strengthening its domestic and international defence capabilities, citing the continued Turkish occupation and the country’s geographical position in a region of particular geopolitical importance.

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“The upgrading of the deterrent capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus is a top priority,” he said.

The government was modernising the National Guard and upgrading Cyprus’ naval and air infrastructure, he said, while making full use of the European Union’s Safe defence funding programme.

Christodoulides said the defence ministry would receive the largest increase in government spending in the 2027 budget, including additional funds for military equipment.

He stressed, however, that strengthening Cyprus’ defence capabilities depended first and foremost on National Guard personnel, and said the government would continue investing in its human resources.

Greek participation and international partnerships

The president thanked Dendias and the Greek government for Greece’s participation in Thursday’s Independence Day parade, including the presence of Greek F-16 fighter jets.

He also highlighted the participation of Greek forces with motorised units in the parade for the first time.

Christodoulides said the presence of representatives from the United States, France, Egypt and the United Kingdom reflected Cyprus’ strategy of strengthening its international partnerships.

Dendias reiterated Greece’s support for Cyprus, saying Athens would remain at the island’s side as it develops new capabilities for its armed forces.