Cyprus defense minister discusses potential demining and military upgrades

On November 8, 2026, Cypriot Minister of Defence Vasilis Palmas addressed reporters at the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos during the celebration of the Air Force patron saint, Archangel Michael. While responding to questions regarding potential demining efforts as a confidence-building measure for the Cyprus problem, Palmas stated that the issue is "highly political" rather than purely technical. He noted that the government will adjust its military policies based on the progress of ongoing negotiations and the creation of conditions for a meaningful dialogue.

Separately, Minister Palmas emphasized the necessity of strengthening the Republic of Cyprus's defense capabilities amidst the shifting geopolitical landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean. He confirmed that the government is advancing the modernization of both the Andreas Papandreou Air Base and the naval base at Mari. These initiatives are supported by the national armament program and the European SAFE project, aiming to enhance operational readiness and provide better support for naval and air missions. The minister stated that he currently has no further updates regarding the demining process, expressing hope for a positive outcome in the broader political talks.