By verbal communication, the Republic of Cyprus has officially requested from the United States military equipment, which is available free of charge or at reduced prices, within the framework of the Excess Defense Articles Program.
This has been confirmed by President Nikos Christodoulides in a recent interview with the Plus TV television station.
He noted that the Ministry of Defence had sent a list of the military equipment it is interested in acquiring and expressed optimism that the US Government will give the green light to the request.
In the interview, President Christodoulides also mentioned that the Government is intensifying efforts to cooperate with foreign governments on defence-related projects, including the Andreas Papandreou Air Base and the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base in Mari.
More specifically, there is interest from the US government in upgrading the air base, while there is also interest from the French government in upgrading the naval base, he said.
Christodoulides noted that contacts are being made with the President of the European Commission, so that there will be financial support from the Commission for the naval base, so that it can also be used by member states of the European Union.
The President of the Republic also stated that in order to participate in the SAFE financing program for defence equipment, Turkey must have a defence agreement with the EU, which requires unanimity in the Council, in which the Republic of Cyprus is also represented.
According to the program's official website, "The Excess Defense Articles (EDA) transfers excess defence equipment to foreign governments or international organisations. It is typically used for modernisation of partner forces. Excess defence articles provided to a partner nation at a reduced price (based on the condition of the equipment) or as a grant. Partner nations pay for packing, crating, handling, and transportation (PCH&T), as well as refurbishment if applicable – EDA is 'as is, where is'."
(Source: CNA, Plus TV)
