United States renews defense trade waiver for Cyprus for fiscal year 2027

The United States government has officially renewed the waiver of defense-related restrictions for the Republic of Cyprus for the 2027 fiscal year. This decision authorizes the export, re-export, and transfer of defense articles and services from the United States to Cyprus throughout the specified period, marking a continuation of the strategic security partnership between the two nations.

The Cypriot Foreign Ministry welcomed the announcement as evidence of deepening bilateral ties, emphasizing shared objectives in promoting peace and stability across the Eastern Mediterranean. This cooperation has been bolstered by existing frameworks, including the 2021 defense and security dialogue and a 2024 bilateral cooperation roadmap. Cyprus has also gained access to key U.S. programs, such as foreign military sales.

This policy marks a significant shift from the long-standing arms embargo imposed in 1987, which was originally intended to encourage reunification efforts following the 1974 Turkish invasion. The embargo is currently bypassed through annual waivers, a process supported by bipartisan efforts in the U.S. Congress. Both nations have increasingly collaborated on crisis management and civilian evacuation operations in recent years, signaling a long-term commitment to security alignment.