in-cyprus 16 January 2025
Cyprus has been granted access to US defence programmes following a presidential determination signed by US President Joe Biden.
The move will allow Cyprus to participate in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, enabling direct procurement of defence systems and services from the US government, government spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis told reporters at the Presidential Palace Thursday.
The decision allows Cyprus to acquire equipment more rapidly through FMS that would otherwise be unavailable, as many systems are designated as “FMS-only”, he said. The spokesperson noted this would enhance the National Guard’s capabilities and strengthen Cyprus-US defence cooperation through joint exercises.
Cyprus will also gain access to the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme, which provides surplus US military equipment either as donations or at significantly reduced prices to allied nations.
Additionally, participation in the Title 10 Security Assistance Program will boost Cyprus’s capabilities through specialised training and equipment for land and maritime border security and counter-terrorism efforts, Letymbiotis explained.
The programmes were discussed during President Christodoulides’ meeting with President Biden at the White House last October and form part of the US-Cyprus Strategic Dialogue framework.
The government welcomes Biden’s decision as it “reflects the highest level of upgraded bilateral relations” and will strengthen Cyprus’s defence capabilities whilst modernising its military equipment, the spokesman said.
Responding to questions about potential changes under a new US administration, Letymbiotis said the presidential determination commits all relevant US agencies and departments to the process. He emphasised that US-Cyprus relations are now built on “solid foundations” and noted Cyprus’s role as a reliable regional partner.
When asked about Turkish foreign ministry comments regarding the US decision, Letymbiotis said Cyprus maintains a defensive posture, noting the country has been under occupation for 50 years with over 40,000 Turkish troops illegally present on the island.
