An Agreement was signed on Monday between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus and the Ministry of Defense of Israel, for the acquisition of an offshore patrol vessel, the Minister of Defense, Vassilis Palmas, announced through a post on platform X.
"This agreement is another important step in strengthening the operational capabilities of the National Guard and its ability to respond to maritime security challenges," he said.
In addition, in a statement, the Israeli Ministry of Defense states that the signing ceremony of the agreement took place in Cyprus, adding that the process of the agreement was handled by the Directorate of International Defense Cooperation (SIBAT) of the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Directorate of Armaments and Development of Defense Capabilities of the Cypriot Ministry of Defense.
The agreement, which was signed by the Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defence, Major General (ret.) Amir Baram, and his Cypriot counterpart, Stelios Kountouris, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Defence of Cyprus.
Under the agreement, Israel will supply Cyprus with a new patrol boat, built by the company Israel Shipyards, which will be equipped with a series of naval systems from the company Rafael, the Israeli Ministry of Defense says. At the same time, he notes that the systems carried by the already existing patrol boat of Cyprus, which has also been built by Israel Shipyards, will be upgraded.
The agreement was signed in the presence of the head of SIBAT, Brigadier General (ret.) Yair Kulas. The ceremony was also attended by the Ambassador of Israel to Cyprus, Shuli Davidovich, the CEO of Israel Shipyards, Eitan Zucker, the head of Rafael's Marine Systems Directorate, Ran Tavor, as well as other senior officials.
"This agreement is another important step in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Cyprus Naval Command and its ability to respond to maritime security challenges," the Israeli Ministry of Defense said, adding that "the new ship, in combination with the upgraded ship "Ioannides", will support expanded patrol, surveillance, as well as search and rescue".
"By strengthening their capabilities and deepening their cooperation, the two countries reaffirm their commitment to regional stability," the statement concluded.
