Cyprus and Israel sign agreement for new offshore patrol vessel

On October 26, 2026, the defense ministries of Cyprus and Israel signed an agreement in Cyprus for the procurement of a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV). The vessel will be constructed by Israel Shipyards and equipped with advanced naval systems by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The deal also includes an upgrade to the systems of the existing Cypriot patrol vessel, the 'Ioannides', which was also built by Israel Shipyards. The agreement was signed by the permanent secretary of the Cypriot Ministry of Defence, Stelios Kountouris, and his Israeli counterpart, Major General (res.) Amir Baram.

This procurement is part of a broader strategy to enhance the maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and operational capabilities of the National Guard in the Mediterranean. Alongside the naval expansion, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas confirmed that a contract has been signed with a Greek company to conduct a study for the upgrade of the naval base at Mari, which will eventually accommodate warships and submarines. Construction work for these naval upgrades and the Andreas Papandreou air base is expected to commence around the end of spring 2027.