An agreement was signed between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus and the Ministry of Defence of Israel for the acquisition of an Offshore Patrol Vessel, Cyprus’ Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas, said in a post on X.
He also noted that "this agreement represents another significant step toward strengthening the operational capabilities of the National Guard and its capacity to respond to challenges concerning maritime security.’’
On its part, the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD) said in a press release that the ceremony was held in Cyprus, adding that the deal was led by the IMOD's International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) and the CyMOD’s Armaments & Defence Capabilities Development Directorate.
Under the agreement, signed by IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, and his Cypriot counterpart, Stelios Kountouris, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Cyprus Ministry of Defence, Israel will supply Cyprus with a new patrol vessel built by Israel Shipyards and fitted with a range of Rafael naval systems, IMOD said. In parallel, the systems aboard Cyprus's existing Israel Shipyards-built patrol vessel will be upgraded, it added.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Head of SIBAT Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas. Also attending the ceremony were Israel's Ambassador to Cyprus, Shuli Davidovich; Israel Shipyards CEO, Eitan Zucker; Head of Rafael's Naval Warfare Systems Directorate, Ran Tavor; and other senior officials.
"This agreement marks another important step in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Cyprus Naval Command and enhancing its capacity to respond to maritime security challenges,’’ IMOD pointed out.
"The new OPV, alongside the upgraded OPV IOANNIDES, will support expanded patrol, surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions. By strengthening their capabilities and deepening their partnership, the two countries reaffirm their commitment to regional stability,’’ the press release concluded.
Υπεγράφη σήμερα Συμφωνία ανάμεσα στο Υπουργείο Άμυνας της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας και στο Υπουργείο Άμυνας του Ισραήλ, για την απόκτηση ενός πλοίου ανοικτής θαλάσσης (Offshore Patrol Vessel). Η συμφωνία αυτή αποτελεί ένα ακόμη σημαντικό βήμα για την ενίσχυση των επιχειρησιακών δυνατοτήτων της Εθνικής Φρουράς και της ικανότητάς της να ανταποκρίνεται σε προκλήσεις που αφορούν στη θαλάσσια ασφάλεια.
— Vasilis Palmas (@PalmasVasilis) October 26, 2026
(Sources: CNA, X)
