Cyprus to buy second Israeli patrol vessel, Palmas confirms

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus will acquire another offshore patrol vessel from Israel, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas has confirmed, saying the contract is expected to be signed next week.

Patrol vessel purchase

In comments to state broadcaster CyBC, Palmas said the new vessel would resemble the Ioannides, which is already in service with the navy of the National Guard. The purchase would bring the fleet of such vessels to two, strengthening the country’s operational capabilities and security at sea, he said.

The minister also noted that Israeli media had previously reported the planned acquisition.

A reported €150 million deal for naval vessels and weapons systems is nearing agreement, with Israel Shipyards and Rafael close to securing it. The agreement would represent a further significant development in the growing defence ties between Nicosia and Tel Aviv.

Military base upgrades

Palmas also confirmed the signing of an agreement commissioning a Greek company to study an upgrade to the naval base. Following the upgrade, the facility will be able to accommodate submarines and warships.

He said he anticipated construction work at both the naval facility and the Andreas Papandreou air base would start towards the end of spring 2027.