Filenews 22 February 2026 - by Andreas Pogiatzis
When in 2019 the position was expressed that the "Cypriot defense industry" not only exists, but is on a path of rapid growth, there was no shortage of cautious or even disparaging reactions. For many, the effort of that period was considered premature or arrogant, in a state without a traditional heavy defense industry.
However, through participation in the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP), the general public began to realize for the first time that companies are active in Cyprus that develop innovative defence technologies and specialized solutions of high added value. The formal announcement of the call for proposals by the European Commission in March 2019 was a turning point.
At that time, Cypriot companies found themselves participating in European collaborative projects alongside established industrial "giants" of the defence sector, not as regional observers, but as equal partners with a clear technological footprint.
Today, the ecosystem of defence companies in Cyprus can be described as numerically limited, as it includes about 30 companies, but it is distinguished for its extrovert orientation and dynamic growth. These are mainly high-tech companies, with an emphasis on innovation, which are active in specialized sectors.
This dynamic was also recognized by Nikos Christodoulides himself, who, during a meeting with the Cyprus Defense Industry Council, expressed the assessment that the ecosystem has the potential to evolve into one of the growing sectors of the economy and that the sector could reach a double-digit percentage of participation in the country's GDP in the coming years.
The statement of the Deputy Secretary General of the CCCI, Andreas Andreou, to F, is also characteristic, that "The Cyprus Defence Industry is evolving into a dynamic and reliable player in the European defence ecosystem, with increasing capacity not only in the development of technologies, but also in the production of final products of high added value. The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which believed in the potential of the sector from the very beginning, feels particularly proud to see Cypriot businesses gain new perspectives through their participation in the EU's SAFE program, which is expected to significantly enhance the possibilities of cooperation, co-production and access to European value chains. At the same time, we expect the practical support of the Ministry of Defence, which seems to be listening to the capabilities and dynamics of the sector. Through these developments, Cyprus appears to be steadily strengthening its contribution to shaping the defense technologies and capabilities of the future."
Highly specialized and battle-tested systems
We are currently at the technological level, where a Cypriot company produces state-of-the-art systems for the detection, analysis and geolocation of wireless emissions (radio frequencies). In fact, these are solutions and products that large and technologically advanced nations have been developing in parallel in recent years. Specifically, SignalGenerix, based in Limassol, has exported the RFHunter system to four different countries. In fact, the product in question has twice won first prize at the Army Technology Excellence Awards 2024, while it has been integrated and tested in Spanish and German systems.
Another milestone for the Cypriot defense industry is the first place of Limassol-based Swarmly Aero, which has exported more than 200 unmanned systems, a success that ranks it as the largest European exporter of drones to countries outside the EU.
The H-10 Poseidon UAV has even been in the service of the Ukrainian Army almost since the beginning of the war with Russia. As we are in a position to know, this particular system has received positive impressions from its Ukrainian users. This particular drone recently joined the National Guard Service.
Speaking to F, Tasos Kounoudis, President of the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Companies (KSEEK), said that "the Cypriot defence industry has grown significantly in recent years. Cypriot companies have created the necessary infrastructure, developed products that are already being exported, and participate in 57 European defence systems development programmes, with a total budget exceeding €850 million and with a Cypriot participation of more than €45 million. As it becomes clear, the Cypriot defence industry is ready not only to support the National Guard with products, infrastructure and know-how, but also to be substantially involved in the €1.2 billion SAFE programme, which, according to the President of the Republic, also aims to strengthen the Cypriot economy. We hope that this opportunity will be seized, and that the relevant commitments will be implemented, in order to limit the exclusive dependence on companies of foreign interests and to substantially strengthen the Cypriot industry. We invite all interested parties to visit Battlefield Redefined 2026 to see up close the products and capabilities of the Cyprus Defense Industry."
Extroversion and display of the Cypriot flag
The coordinated and flawless presence of Cypriot defence companies in international exhibitions is the result of long-term planning, institutional cooperation and collective effort, with Cyprus consistently projected as a single entity before individual corporate identities.
At the heart of this strategy is the emergence of the country as a reliable and modern partner in the European and international defence space. The Cypriot flag and the national footprint consciously take precedence, acting as a common "frontispiece" for the technological capabilities, innovation and extroversion of companies.
A typical example was the Cyprus pavilion at the international defence exhibition DEFEA last year. Those who visited it noted not only the high level of technological maturity and innovation of Cypriot companies, but also the seamless cooperation between state and private bodies. A collaboration that was not limited to coexistence in the same space, but was reflected in a single narrative, a common image and a clear strategic message to international visitors.
Our BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2026 Defense & Security Exhibition
Only the phrase "every year and better" can describe the BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED exhibition, which has been taking place since 2023 at the Pavilion Hall in Nicosia on February 26 and 27.
This is a common benchmark for the defense ecosystem. It was organized by the CCCI, the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises (KSEEK) and C.D Multimedia Services Ltd.
The conference part is implemented in cooperation with the Directorate General for Defence and Space Industry of the European Commission, while the conference is under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the Ministry of Defence, with the support of the Cyprus Police and other competent bodies.
The event brings together government agencies, armed forces, security forces, and leading defense and technology companies from Cyprus and abroad, fostering dialogue around contemporary security challenges and technological advancements.
A special innovation of this year's event is the fact that, for the first time in Cyprus, the exhibition section of the event will be open to the general public. Visitors will have the opportunity to see up close a static exhibition of military equipment, innovative products of Cypriot companies, as well as systems already in service in the National Guard and Security Forces.
