Cyprus to acquire second offshore patrol vessel from Israel

On October 23, 2026, Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas officially confirmed that the Republic of Cyprus is set to acquire a second offshore patrol vessel from Israel. The contract for the procurement is expected to be signed next week. The new vessel will be identical to the "Ioannides" patrol boat currently operated by the National Guard Navy, a move intended to bolster the country's maritime security and operational capabilities.

In addition to the naval procurement, Minister Palmas announced that a contract has been signed with a Greek firm to conduct a comprehensive study for the expansion of the national naval base. The planned upgrades are designed to enable the facility to accommodate warships and submarines. Furthermore, the government intends to begin modernization works at the naval base and the "Andreas Papandreou" air base by the end of spring 2027.