cyprus defence — cyprus defence — The recent allocation of Cyprus’ defence funds has sparked discussions about the nation’s military strategy, especially in light of its shifting alliances. With a budget of €13.7 billion for 2026, Cyprus has earmarked €176.8 million for armaments, reflecting a significant pivot towards Western military partnerships, particularly with Israel.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Cyprus defence: Investment in Modern Weapons Systems
Data from the Ministry of Defence indicates that Cyprus has maintained an annual arms expenditure exceeding €170 million since 2023. The upcoming budget outlines spending aimed at enhancing both existing and new military contracts to bolster defensive capabilities.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Among the notable acquisitions are three H145Μ attack helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, adding to the existing fleet of three. This acquisition, amounting to €140 million, is part of a strategic move to replace the outdated Russian Mi-35Ps, which were sold to Serbia for €105 million.
Military Upgrades and New Technologies
The Independence Day parade recently showcased the National Guard’s upgraded arsenal, including the Serbian-made Tamnava multiple rocket launcher. This addition is a product of ongoing defence agreements with Serbia, which began in 2017 and included the phased transfer of Nora B-52 self-propelled howitzers by December 2020.
Israel has emerged as a key supplier, with the National Guard obtaining the Tavor assault rifle and the advanced Barak MX air defence system. The latter’s delivery has prompted concerns from Turkey, with Ankara claiming it poses a direct threat to its national security due to its monitoring capabilities over southern Turkey.
Shifts in Defence Diplomacy
As Cyprus transitions away from Russian military reliance, it is also exploring arms from the United States, following the lifting of the arms embargo. The National Guard is currently evaluating potential American weapons systems as part of its broader strategy.
In addition to equipment upgrades, Cyprus is enhancing its military infrastructure, including improvements to the Mari naval base and the Andreas Papandreou airbase in Paphos. Defence diplomacy has become a cornerstone of Cyprus’ strategy, fostering military cooperation with countries such as Austria, France, Germany, and regional partners like Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Geopolitical Context and Strategic Partnerships
Experts highlight that Cyprus’ military expansion is framed within a geopolitical context, particularly in response to Turkey’s assertiveness in the eastern Mediterranean. Christos Iacovou from the Cyprus Research Centre notes that the strategic partnership between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel serves as a counterbalance to Turkish aggression.
Cyprus is viewed as a stabilising ally for Israel, enhancing its security in a volatile region. The collaboration is underpinned by mutual interests, particularly in the face of Turkey’s historical military threats.
Concerns and Future Directions
While the military upgrades are seen as necessary for national security, there are concerns regarding the implications of Cyprus’ closer ties to Israel. Iacovou points out the potential for Cyprus to become a target for extremism due to its partnerships, alongside the risks associated with a potential thaw in relations between Israel and Turkey that could undermine Cyprus’ strategic position.
Despite these challenges, Cyprus is committed to enhancing its defence capabilities, bolstered by EU support through the Safe programme, which will facilitate military procurement and long-term investment in defence infrastructure.
