Israel and Cyprus Sign Deal for $100 Million Patrol Vessel
The agreement includes a new ship and upgrades to the Ioannides, a vessel Cyprus received in 2018.
By Priya Patel ·
Israel agreed to build a new offshore patrol vessel for Cyprus on Monday. The deal also covers upgrades to an existing ship. Defense Ministry officials signed the document in Cyprus.
Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, the Defense Ministry director general, signed for Israel. Stelios Kountouris, the acting permanent secretary of the Cyprus Defense Ministry, signed for Cyprus. The International Defense Cooperation Directorate in Israel led the negotiations. The Cypriot Armaments & Defense Capabilities Development Directorate worked on the other side of the table.
The agreement was not new to the two nations. Cyprus received its first Israeli-built patrol vessel in 2018. That ship, the Commodore Andreas Ioannides, carries Rafael Typhoon naval weapon stations. The new contract includes modifications to that specific boat. The ministry said the upgrades will happen in parallel with the construction of the new vessel.
Israel Shipyards will build the new ship. The vessel will be fitted with a range of Rafael naval systems. The ministry stated that the two ships will support expanded patrol and surveillance missions. They will also handle search-and-rescue operations. The agreement aims to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Cyprus Naval Command.
Several officials attended the signing ceremony. Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas leads the Israeli International Defense Cooperation Directorate. Shuli Davidovich is the Israeli ambassador to Cyprus. Eitan Zucker is the CEO of Israel Shipyards. Ran Tavor heads Rafael's Naval Warfare Systems Directorate.
The ministry did not state the price of the new deal. However, Calcalist previously reported the proposed package was worth approximately $100 million. The two countries have expanded their defense cooperation in recent years. This includes military exercises and defense procurement. Cyprus has also bought Israeli air-defense systems and anti-tank missiles.
The ministry said the agreement reflects a commitment to regional stability. Israel and Cyprus also cooperate with Greece on security matters. They hold joint exercises and coordinate military activity in the eastern Mediterranean.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
