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Cyprus has formally asked the United States for surplus military equipment, President Nikos Christodoulides revealed in a late-night TV interview on Monday, calling it a natural step in the island nation’s closer security ties with Washington.
Christodoulides said the government recently notified the U.S. through diplomatic channels that it is interested in acquiring specific defense gear from American stockpiles. The request comes under a U.S. program that allows partner countries to access surplus defense equipment.
...the president noted that the European Investment Bank has for the first time agreed to finance defense and security projects.
“We await the official response from the U.S.,” Christodoulides said, adding that he was “optimistic” about approval. If Washington gives the green light, Cypriot defense experts will travel to inspect the systems before any deal is sealed.
The president placed the move within the broader framework of Cyprus’ growing defense cooperation with the U.S., pointing to the island’s recent participation in three American programs, including SAFE, which supports defense industries in partner countries. Christodoulides also stressed that unlike Cyprus, Turkey cannot join SAFE without a formal defense agreement with the European Union, a deal that would require unanimous approval by all 27 EU states.
Separately, the president noted that the European Investment Bank has for the first time agreed to finance defense and security projects. Nicosia is now exploring the possibility of securing loans to bolster its military deterrence.
The push to strengthen defense capabilities comes as Cyprus seeks to reinforce its role as a reliable Western partner in a turbulent region, amid ongoing tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
