For €150 million: Israel to arm the Cypriot Navy

Israel and Cyprus have signed a defense export agreement worth approximately €150 million, under which Israel will supply an advanced offshore patrol vessel (OPV) built by Israel Shipyards, equipped with Rafael systems. The agreement also includes the upgrade of Cyprus's existing patrol vessel. The deal aims to strengthen Cyprus's operational capabilities against maritime security challenges.

Israel will supply Cyprus with an advanced offshore patrol vessel (OPV) manufactured by Israel Shipyards, for approximately €150 million, under a defense export agreement signed today in Nicosia. The agreement was signed by Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, and his Cypriot counterpart, Stelios Kontouris. The new vessel will be equipped with Rafael's maritime systems, and the systems on Cyprus's existing patrol vessel, also built by Israel Shipyards, will be upgraded simultaneously. The agreement is intended to strengthen Cyprus's operational capabilities against maritime security challenges. The ceremony was attended by Head of SIBAT, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Koles, Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus Shuli Davidovich, CEO of Israel Shipyards Eitan Zucker, and Head of the Naval Combat Systems Directorate at Rafael Ran Tavor. The article notes that Cyprus has become a potential destination for establishing factories and management headquarters of Israeli defense industries, partly due to its proximity to Israel and its membership in the European Union.