NICOSIA, Cyprus — Strengthening Cyprus’ defense capabilities has become increasingly vital for the island nation in the eastern Mediterranean, particularly given its proximity to the conflict-ridden Middle East, according to the country’s defense minister. On Tuesday, Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas emphasized the need for improved defense systems during an interview in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. Although he provided an overview of defense initiatives, he refrained from sharing specific details regarding arms procurement.
Palmas noted the continuously evolving geostrategic dynamics and competing interests in the eastern Mediterranean heighten the urgency for Cyprus to enhance its defensive posture. He stressed that the current situation necessitates immediate action to strengthen the island’s defenses.
In a related development, a government official disclosed that Cyprus has recently received a portion of the Barak MX integrated air defense system, manufactured in Israel. The official, who preferred to remain anonymous, indicated that the remainder of the system is expected to be delivered soon, with full operational capability anticipated by mid-2025. This Israeli ground-based defense system is capable of simultaneously targeting missiles, drones, and aircraft from distances of up to 93 miles (150 kilometers), marking a substantial enhancement over the island’s previous reliance on outdated Soviet-era weapons, including the BUK M1-2 missile system.
In recent years, Cyprus has shifted away from Russian military equipment as part of a broader strategy to align more closely with Western allies, aspiring to upgrade its armed forces to meet EU and NATO standards. President Nikos Christodoulides mentioned earlier this month the possibility of applying for NATO membership with the assistance of the U.S. when conditions are favorable.
Palmas elaborated on how the deepening diplomatic and military relationships with the United States have allowed Cyprus to utilize its strategic location as the nearest EU member to the Middle East for regional diplomatic engagements and humanitarian efforts. Earlier this year, approximately 20,000 tons of humanitarian aid were transported to Gaza through a maritime corridor from Cyprus; however, this operation was suspended due to escalating hostilities. Efforts are currently underway to reinstate the aid route, this time through the Israeli port of Ashdod.
These closer ties with the U.S. also led to the removal of a long-standing arms embargo that had restricted Cyprus in an effort to prevent an arms race, particularly due to the island’s ethnic division. Since the 1974 invasion by Turkey, which was prompted by a coup aiming to unite the island with Greece, Turkey has maintained over 35,000 troops in the breakaway northern region, occupied by Turkish Cypriots.
Following the embargo’s lift, it’s reported that Cyprus’ elite underwater demolition teams have recently received advanced M5 carbines, a type of rifle designed for special operations. Furthermore, Palmas indicated that expansion plans are in progress for the island’s southwest air base, which includes extending the runway. A significant upgrade to the Mari naval base along the southern coast is also planned, aimed at enlarging its facilities to support warships and submarines from allied and friendly nations.
