Cyprus orders $100 million patrol vessel from Israel
The deal includes new Rafael systems and upgrades to the vessel Cyprus received in 2018.
By Sebastian Clarke ·
Cyprus will operate a second Israeli-built offshore patrol vessel after the two countries signed an acquisition agreement on Monday. The Defense Ministry in Israel announced that the new ship will be constructed by Israel Shipyards and equipped with naval systems from the defense firm Rafael.
Alongside the new vessel, the agreement covers upgrades to the equipment already installed on Cyprus's existing patrol ship, the Ioannides. That vessel was delivered to Cyprus in 2018 and originally featured Rafael Typhoon weapon stations. The ministry stated that the upgraded Ioannides and the new ship will support expanded patrol, surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions for the Cyprus Naval Command.
The signing took place in Cyprus. Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, the Director General of Israel's Defense Ministry, and Stelios Kountouris, the acting permanent secretary of the Cyprus Defense Ministry, signed the document. The transaction was managed by the International Defense Cooperation Directorate in Israel and the Armaments & Defense Capabilities Development Directorate in Cyprus.
Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas, head of the Israel Directorate, attended the ceremony. He was joined by Shuli Davidovich, the Israeli ambassador to Cyprus. Eitan Zucker, CEO of Israel Shipyards, and Ran Tavor, head of the Naval Warfare Systems Directorate at Rafael, also attended the event.
Israeli officials said the deal strengthens the operational capabilities of the Cyprus Navy. The ministry noted that the agreement reflects a commitment to regional stability and the growing defense cooperation between the two nations. This includes joint military exercises and prior defense procurement.
Israel and Cyprus have increased their military collaboration in recent years. Cyprus has previously purchased Israeli air-defense systems and anti-tank missiles. The two nations also coordinate with Greece on security matters in the eastern Mediterranean.
The Defense Ministry did not disclose the final price in its statement. However, the Israeli financial news outlet Calcalist reported that the proposed package is valued at approximately $100 million.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
