Israel sees potential to deepen Cyprus defence industry cooperation

Nicosia, Cyprus. Israel considers Cyprus an increasingly important defence partner and sees potential for the countries to deepen cooperation between their defence industries through joint projects and technology, the Israeli embassy in Nicosia told the Sunday Mail.

The embassy said the relationship was based on mutual trust, shared interests and a commitment to regional stability, adding that Cyprus’ importance as a trusted partner had grown as defence cooperation deepened.

Defence cooperation

The comments came just over a week after Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Cyprus. During the visit, President Nikos Christodoulides said the two countries wanted to further develop cooperation in areas including defence.

They also come as Cyprus purchases Israeli systems, including the Barak MX air defence system. Greece is progressing with the €3.035 billion Achilles Shield, much of which is based on Israeli technology, while Cyprus has access to almost €1.2 billion through the European Union’s Safe defence mechanism.

Industry partnerships

Israeli defence companies are also examining opportunities in Cyprus.

“Israel welcomes Cyprus’ efforts to strengthen its domestic defence industry,” the embassy said, pointing to potential “partnerships, joint projects and technology cooperation”.

“We encourage Israeli and Cypriot companies to explore opportunities together.”

Regional dimension

The embassy said trilateral cooperation between Israel, Cyprus and Greece added an important regional dimension.

“It strengthens our ability to contribute to security in the eastern Mediterranean,” it said.

Retired Greek Air Force Vice Marshal Ioannis Anastasakis and Dr Marios Efthymiopoulos, director of Strategy International and associate professor of international security and strategy at Vytautas Magnus University, told the Sunday Mail that closer ties with Israel and Greece could affect Cyprus in areas including defence, interoperability, industry and Safe.