Cyprus will receive a new offshore patrol vessel manufactured by Israel Shipyards and equipped with a range of advanced naval systems produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
By United with Israel Staff
Israel and Cyprus signed a new defense export agreement Monday under which Israel will supply the Cypriot Navy with an advanced offshore patrol vessel equipped with Israeli-made maritime systems.
The agreement was signed in Cyprus by Israeli Defense Ministry Director-General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram and Stelios Kountouris, acting permanent secretary of the Cypriot Defense Ministry.
Under the deal, Cyprus will receive a new offshore patrol vessel manufactured by Israel Shipyards and equipped with a range of advanced naval systems produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
Israel will also upgrade systems aboard Cyprus’ existing Israeli-built patrol vessel, the IOANNIDES.
The agreement was led by SIBAT, the International Defense Cooperation Directorate of the Israeli Defense Ministry, together with the Cypriot Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Armaments and Defense Capabilities Development.
Senior Israeli and Cypriot officials attended the signing ceremony, including SIBAT Director Brig. Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas, Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus Shuli Davidovich, Israel Shipyards CEO Eitan Zucker and Rafael’s head of naval warfare systems, Ran Tavor.
The Israeli Defense Ministry said the new vessel and upgrades will significantly strengthen the operational capabilities of the Cypriot Naval Command, including patrol, surveillance, search and rescue missions.
The deal comes as Israel and Cyprus continue to deepen their strategic and defense relationship in the eastern Mediterranean, where the two countries share growing security and energy interests.
Israel has increasingly emerged as an important defense supplier to Cyprus, which has sought to modernize its military capabilities and strengthen cooperation with Jerusalem.
The Defense Ministry said the latest agreement reflects the two countries’ commitment to strengthening their capabilities and promoting regional stability.
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