defence cooperation — Cyprus-Greece-Israel defence cooperation is not currently under consideration, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas has clarified. In an interview with philenews, Palmas addressed recent Greek media reports suggesting that military officials from Israel, Greece, and Cyprus were contemplating the establishment of a rapid reaction force aimed at countering Turkey’s military activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Palmas indicated that while the matter is significant, discussions on forming such a coalition have not occurred. “This would require a major political decision rather than military consultation,” he stated, emphasising the need for careful deliberation before any decisions are made.
Reflecting on the current state of relations, Palmas noted that ties between the Republic of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel have reached new heights in recent years. He mentioned that during a recent visit to Israel, where he met with the Israeli Defence Minister, the proposed military cooperation was not on the agenda.
Defence cooperation: Ongoing Military Upgrades
The conversation around defence was not entirely absent as Palmas discussed the ongoing upgrades to the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base in Mari and the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos. He confirmed that the United States has initiated architectural and technical plans for the upgrade of the Paphos Air Base, as part of broader efforts to enhance the National Guard’s infrastructure and operational capabilities.
Palmas highlighted that the decision to upgrade the Mari Naval Base was largely finalised following the signing of the Cyprus-France Strategic Declaration at the Élysée Palace. This development is poised to enhance the Republic of Cyprus’s strategic role in the region, creating naval facilities capable of accommodating warships. Informed sources suggest that architectural and technical plans are expected to be completed by 2026, with substantial construction work commencing in 2027.
Focus on American Military Equipment
In terms of military resources, Palmas noted that acquiring American surplus equipment is a priority for the Defence Ministry and the National Guard General Staff. The Republic of Cyprus is currently waiting for a new invitation from the United States for a delegation to visit and review potential weapons systems.
Among the equipment under consideration are American armoured personnel carriers or armoured fighting vehicles. Palmas clarified that while there is interest in acquiring Bradley-type vehicles, any transactions will need to account for repair and maintenance costs, transportation expenses, and logistical support to ensure economic efficiency and long-term sustainability.
