United States extends defense trade normalization with Cyprus for fiscal year 2027

On September 13, 2026, the United States government announced the renewal of the lifting of International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions regarding the Republic of Cyprus for the 2027 fiscal year. This decision authorizes the export, re-export, and transfer of defense materials and services from the U.S. to Cyprus for the specified period.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus welcomed the move, framing it as a significant milestone in the expanding strategic partnership between the two nations, particularly in the fields of security and defense. Officials noted that this cooperation is aimed at promoting stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean. The development builds upon recent years of enhanced collaboration between the two countries, which includes joint efforts in crisis management and non-combatant evacuation operations (NEOs).