An agreement was signed on Monday between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus and the Ministry of Defense of Israel regarding the acquisition of an offshore patrol vessel (Offshore Patrol Vessel), Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas announced in a post on Platform X.
“This agreement represents yet another important step toward strengthening the National Guard’s operational capabilities and its ability to respond to challenges related to maritime security,” he noted.
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Furthermore, in a statement, the Israeli Ministry of Defense noted that the signing ceremony for the agreement took place in Cyprus, adding that the agreement process was handled by the Directorate of International Defense Cooperation (SIBAT) of the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Directorate of Armaments and Defense Capabilities Development of the Cypriot Ministry of Defense.
The agreement, signed by the Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Major General (ret.) Amir Baram, and his Cypriot counterpart, Stelios Kountouris, Deputy Director General of the Cypriot Ministry of Defense.
Under the agreement, Israel will supply Cyprus with a new patrol vessel, built by Israel Shipyards, which will be equipped with a range of naval systems from Rafael, according to the Israeli Ministry of Defense. At the same time, it notes that the systems on Cyprus’s existing patrol boat—which was also built by Israel Shipyards—will be upgraded.
The agreement was signed in the presence of SIBAT Director, Brigadier General (ret.) Yair Kulas. Also in attendance at the ceremony were the Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus, Shuli Davidovich, the CEO of Israel Shipyards, Eitan Zucker, the head of Rafael’s Naval Systems Division, Ran Tavor, as well as other senior officials.
“This agreement represents yet another important step toward strengthening the operational capabilities of the Cyprus Navy and its ability to respond to challenges related to maritime security,” the Israeli Ministry of Defense stated, adding that “the new vessel, in conjunction with the upgraded ‘Ioannidis,’ will support expanded patrol, surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions.”
“By strengthening their capabilities and deepening their cooperation, the two countries reaffirm their commitment to regional stability,” the statement concludes.
Source: CNA
