Dorita Yiannakou
A delegation from tech giant Amazon has been in Cyprus with an ambitious work plan, exploring the development of multiple projects in the fields of technology and digital infrastructure.
As part of its visit, which wraps up tomorrow, Amazon representatives held a series of meetings with government officials, relevant authorities, and key stakeholders, aiming to set specific technology projects in motion for the Cypriot market.
According to information obtained by K, the government is placing particular emphasis on Amazon’s potential role in strengthening data security and shielding Cyprus from cyberattacks and data interception. Amazon’s visit follows a chain of high-level contacts that began after President Nikos Christodoulides’ investment-focused trip to the United States. Those meetings took place last April in New York and San Francisco and form part of the government’s broader strategy to boost Cyprus’ international profile and promote the island as a reliable and competitive investment destination.
Amazon Leo: Project Kuiper on the table
One of the flagship projects under discussion is Amazon Leo, officially known as Project Kuiper. During a meeting yesterday between Amazon Leo’s leadership and Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki, Deputy Minister of Innovation Nikodemos Damianou, and Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides, the possibility of a pilot rollout of Project Kuiper in Cyprus was assessed.
Project Kuiper is Amazon’s initiative to build a global network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites designed to provide fast, reliable, and secure satellite internet. The system can serve as an alternative communication channel, particularly in situations where traditional networks fail.
Amazon Leo is considered one of the company’s most ambitious and strategically important digital infrastructure projects. By deploying thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit, Amazon aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet worldwide.
The project’s broader significance lies in closing the digital gap. Millions of people around the world, especially in remote areas, islands and developing countries, still lack reliable internet access. Through LEO satellites, Project Kuiper aims to bring connectivity to places where land-based networks are either unavailable or too costly.
Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, which orbit much farther from Earth, low-orbit satellites offer faster response times and a more stable user experience.
For governments, Amazon Leo is seen as critical digital infrastructure. It can support civil protection services, crisis management, and defense and security, particularly during natural disasters or emergencies when ground networks collapse. The project is expected to strengthen secure communications for critical infrastructure and crisis situations, boosting the country’s overall digital resilience.
Data security at the core
Amazon’s delegation also held extensive meetings with Transport, Communications, and Works Minister Alexis Vafeades; Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas; Invest Cyprus; the Research and Innovation Foundation; and private-sector companies.
Talks with the two ministers focused heavily on data security in major infrastructure projects such as ports and airports. Cyprus’ key objective is to protect its data from cyberattacks and interception attempts.
Modern ports and airports rely on complex digital systems to manage transport, passengers, cargo, security checks, and communications. These systems generate vast amounts of sensitive data, making them prime targets for cyber threats.
Authorities stressed the need to safeguard personal data of passengers and staff, flight information, security and access control data, commercial and financial information, as well as state and strategic operational data.
A breach of such data could lead not only to financial damage but also to serious risks to public safety and national sovereignty. Protecting this information, officials noted, ensures the uninterrupted operation of critical infrastructure, strengthens national security, safeguards personal data, shields the country from hybrid threats, and boosts Cyprus’ credibility as an investment destination.
As officials underlined, data security in major infrastructure projects is not just a technical issue; it is a matter of national strategy. Protection against cyberattacks and data interception is a cornerstone of state security, economic stability, and the international credibility of the Republic of Cyprus.
