The position is that, if we proceed with the implementation of the GSI, each of us involved in this project must assume our respective responsibilities, with the EU bearing the primary responsibility, was expressed by Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas, stated while speaking on the Alpha News program.
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As he explained, “The EU itself must provide guarantees so that this project can proceed smoothly, and at the same time, France, Greece, and Cyprus—as participants in this project—must ensure its continuity and successful completion.”
“We must be in a position, should any obstacles arise, to be able to prevent them—or better yet, to ensure that no obstacles arise at all due to our presence there,” he noted.
Referring to the October 1 anniversary and the large military parade being prepared by the Ministry of National Defense, he noted that October 1 “is a special day for the Republic of Cyprus, since our strongest bargaining chip is our statehood, and therefore we must honor it appropriately.”
Referring to the parade, he said that it “will be upgraded on both the political and military levels.”
Speaking about the Israeli Barak MX air defense system that we acquired two years ago, Mr. Palmas emphasized that this system constitutes the air defense of the Republic of Cyprus. This system, he said, “is installed and combat-ready” and has been operational throughout this period of tensions in the Middle East.
Regarding “Achilles’ Shield,” the Minister of National Defense clarified that it is a bilateral agreement between Greece and Israel. “Greece, Israel, and Cyprus currently have the same systems in place regarding our air defense,” he said, adding that this “implies interoperability among the three countries regarding issues related to their air security.” However, “we have no involvement whatsoever in the ‘Achilles Shield’ project,” he emphasized.
Regarding the condition of the National Guard’s tanks, Mr. Palmas acknowledged that the issue of the National Guard’s tank capabilities is a matter of concern for the Ministry of National Defense, and that discussions are “at a good stage of discussions, both at the European level and in talks with third countries” to strengthen and modernize it.
Regarding the European SAFE program, the Minister of National Defense said that we have already secured the first tranche of funds, amounting to 178 million euros, which have been released by the Parliament’s Defense Committee. Using the same method, he added, “over the next five years, we will continue to draw funds from these facilities provided through the SAFE regulation, so that we can draw down the entire amount, if possible, and be in a position to take advantage of this opportunity to modernize and renew our defense procurement programs.”
“The Centaur is part of the SAFE program,” he explained, noting that anti-drone systems are among the Ministry of National Defense’s priorities.
When asked whether there is a possibility of refueling Saudi fighter jets from British bases, in light of recent tensions stemming from attacks on Riyadh by Yemen’s Houthis, Mr. Palmas clarified that “refueling is not an issue.”
He also said that the Republic of Cyprus strives to maintain “the best possible relationship with the British Bases,” but in fact “there are times when we may not have the full information we would like to have.”
“We have often raised the issue with the authorities of the Bases, as well as at the political level, that they should ensure the Bases have autonomy in matters of security and should also ensure they have autonomy in self-defense, so that they can also protect the residents in the area, regardless of whether the Republic of Cyprus has systems it can use if and when necessary,” the Minister of National Defense stated.
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