Newsroom
Cyprus is ramping up the modernization of its National Guard, putting missile defense, anti-air capabilities, and drones at the top of the list, and its growing military ties with Israel are a big part of the plan.
Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas told the podcast “Tsouroulis Uncensored” that Cyprus needs strong air defenses to protect its sovereignty and borders. “We have to keep up with new threats, especially drones, which are now a major part of both defense and attack systems,” he said.
Palmas also responded to critics who say Cyprus is over-militarizing. “Peace is maintained through strength,” he said. “And if people don’t like the term ‘militarization,’ they can go protest at the checkpoints we cross every day into the occupied areas, and call for the illegal Turkish troops to leave.”
The minister confirmed that Cyprus’s relationship with Israel goes beyond politics. “We train alongside the Israelis and are also customers in their defense programs,” he said. “No matter what critics say, Cyprus must protect its interests and maintain its standing as a recognized country in the international community.”
