Filenews 11 December 2025 - by Andreas Pogiatzis
Moves aimed at dramatically increasing the naval capabilities of Cyprus are actively promoted by the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of the National Guard, both through the Defence budget and through the SAFE programme, with the aim of strengthening the security of the country's maritime zones and EEZ. The effective presence and surveillance of the Cypriot EEZ, as well as the areas of interest by the National Guard, is limited, as the Navy Command has only one offshore patrol boat, the PATH "Ioannidis".
Now the NGS and the Ministry of Defense are oriented towards strengthening the naval capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus. There is an intention and talks are at an advanced stage for the acquisition of a second Offshore Patrol Boat, based on the original planning, which took place a decade ago.
This development is expected to multiply the capabilities of the Navy, allowing for more extensive patrols in the EEZ and more broadly in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as greater participation in international and multinational exercises. It is worth noting that the initial planning, which was made a decade ago, provided for the acquisition of four ships of the same class (Saar 62), with the aim of creating a more durable, flexible and capable patrol fleet.
Nevertheless, the planning remained unfinished, with the result that the Navy Command currently has only one ship. "PATH" Ioannidis participates continuously in multinational exercises (EUNOMIA, NEMESIS, MEDUSA etc.), in escorts (PASSEX) as well as in Search and Rescue exercises. The Republic spent an amount close to 44 million euros for its acquisition, but this does not mean that this will be the cost for the new ship, if acquired. It is noted that the purchase of the second ship will not be made through the SAFE program.
If another Offshore Patrol Boat is acquired, then the capabilities of the Navy Command will increase sharply. In this case, the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff will have to proceed with the staffing of the new ship, with our information stating that at the level of Officers in the Navy Corps there is satisfactory availability.
Reinforcement through the defense industry and SAFE.
As has been said several times in the past, the Cypriot defence industry aims to provide solutions and competence to the National Guard. In this context, in the list that has been sent to the European Commission and concerns the five-year plan for the upgrade of the National Guard, the domestic defense industry has an increased role.
According to information from Filenews, solutions from Cypriot companies concerning the field of the sea are being promoted through SAFE. As we are in a position to know, one of these solutions is the Cypriot-made unmanned surface craft (USV). These are remote-controlled vessels that are used for a variety of maritime missions, such as surveillance, intelligence gathering, strike missions, and support for other warships. Their main objective is to perform dangerous or demanding tasks without exposing people to danger, while at the same time providing the ability to be present at sea for a long time and react quickly to threats. Additionally, USVs can work with UAVs, and manned vessels, enhancing a fleet's deterrent and operational capability.
All developments are underway and it is possible that developments will occur very soon.
