Cyprus and Israel advance toward a €150 million naval procurement deal

Cyprus and Israel are in advanced government-to-government negotiations for a defense deal valued at approximately €150 million. The agreement involves the procurement of naval vessels by the Cyprus National Guard's Naval Command from Israel Shipyards, equipped with advanced weapons systems provided by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The deal is expected to be finalized and signed within the coming weeks following the completion of discussions between the defense ministries of both countries. The budget for this acquisition has already been approved by the Cypriot parliamentary defense committee.

Reports indicate that the procurement includes a second Saar 62-class offshore patrol vessel, a sister ship to the existing 'Archiploiarchos Andreas Ioannides'. Because the hull of the new vessel has already been constructed, officials anticipate a faster delivery, projected by mid-2028 at the latest. The new vessel is expected to feature upgraded capabilities, including the potential integration of the naval version of the SPIKE long-range precision missile system. This partnership is part of an ongoing effort by Nicosia and Tel Aviv to deepen strategic cooperation and enhance maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean, with previous procurement plans dating back a decade.