Israel Signs Deal to Provide Cyprus With New Patrol Boat

Israel and Cyprus finalized an agreement on Monday for the purchase of a new offshore patrol vessel. The contract secures a ship built by Israel Shipyards equipped with advanced naval systems from Rafael. The deal also includes a full upgrade of the systems on Cyprus's current patrol boat.

Defense Ministry Director General Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amir Baram signed the document in Cyprus. He was joined by Stelios Kountouris, the acting permanent secretary of the Cyprus Defense Ministry. The signing ceremony was attended by several key officials, including Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas, head of Israel's International Defense Cooperation Directorate. Ambassador Shuli Davidovich and Eitan Zucker, CEO of Israel Shipyards, were also present.

The new ship will feature a range of Rafael naval systems. The ministry stated that the vessel is designed to support expanded patrol, surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions. It will operate alongside the upgraded OPV Ioannides, which Cyprus currently uses for maritime security operations.

The deal was led by Israel's International Defense Cooperation Directorate and the Cypriot Directorate for Armaments and Defense Capabilities Development. According to the ministry, the agreement strengthens the operational capabilities of the Cyprus Naval Command. It enhances the island's capacity to respond to maritime security challenges in the region.

The value of the new naval agreement was not disclosed in the official statement. However, the Israeli financial news outlet Calcalist previously reported that the proposed package was worth approximately $100 million. This figure includes the cost of the new vessel and the modernization of the existing ship.

Cyprus has deepened its defense ties with Israel in recent years. The two nations collaborate on naval security, military exercises, and equipment procurement. Cyprus also works with Greece on regional security matters in the eastern Mediterranean. This includes joint exercises and military coordination to maintain stability in the area.

Cyprus received its first Israeli-built offshore patrol vessel in 2018. The ship, named Commodore Andreas Ioannides, was equipped with Rafael Typhoon naval weapon stations. The country has also purchased other Israeli defense equipment. These include the Barak MX air-defense system and Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles, according to Cyprus Mail.