Apostolos Tomaras
The agreement to acquire a second offshore patrol vessel from Israel is simply the implementation of the original plan to strengthen the National Guard’s Naval Command with modern surface vessels. Drawn up about a decade ago, that plan led to the acquisition of the first ship, the Commodore Andreas Ioannides.
Nicosia’s decision to purchase a second vessel effectively brings an end to the difficult years of the Cypriot navy, which had been left operating outdated equipment unable to meet today’s conditions and increasingly demanding requirements. Those needs stem both from energy projects within Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone and from the National Guard’s activities across the wider region.
The National Guard’s new offshore patrol vessel is expected to arrive two years earlier than initially anticipated, as its hull has already been built.
The new addition will strengthen the National Guard’s operational capabilities in the maritime areas under the Republic’s responsibility, currently covered primarily by the Commodore Andreas Ioannides.
Delivery to Naval Command is expected in 2028, as part of the vessel has already been built. According to information emerging from Nicosia, it will carry weapons systems that are not fitted to the Commodore Andreas Ioannides.
Although the purchase price has not been announced, Israeli reports put the package at €150 million, including upgrades to the weapons systems aboard the Commodore Andreas Ioannides, which will take place in a second phase.
The purchase further strengthens defense procurement ties between Cyprus and Israel, with Cyprus remaining the leading EU customer for the Israeli defense industry.
The agreement
Unlike other equipment sought by the National Guard, such as battle tanks, for which Israel continues to maintain an export “embargo” because of the war with Hamas, the neighboring country accelerated the procedures for the offshore patrol vessel, cutting the delivery time by at least two years.
The development was welcomed by the Defense Ministry and National Guard General Staff. In a social media post, Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas said the agreement was “another important step toward strengthening the National Guard’s operational capabilities and its ability to respond to maritime security challenges.”
Under the agreement, Israel will supply Cyprus with a new offshore patrol vessel built by Israel Shipyards and equipped with a range of naval systems manufactured by Rafael.
As the Israeli side also announced, the systems aboard Cyprus’ existing patrol vessel, the Commodore Andreas Ioannides, also built by Israel Shipyards, will be upgraded.
“This agreement marks another important step toward strengthening the operational capabilities of Cyprus’ Naval Command and its ability to respond to maritime security challenges,” Israel’s Defense Ministry said.
It added that “the new vessel, together with the upgraded Ioannides, will support expanded patrol, surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions.”
The new vessel’s weapons
The second offshore patrol vessel is a Saar 62-class ship built by Israel Shipyards. According to information that has emerged, it will carry a modern package of weapons systems from Israeli manufacturer Rafael, as well as the BARAK MX air defense system.
Published specifications indicate that the new Naval Command vessel will carry two Typhoon naval weapon stations, radar, and command-and-control systems. Its equipment is described as follows:
- Bow gun: A 23 mm automatic cannon or a Rafael Typhoon remotely operated weapon station fitted with a 20 mm, 23 mm or 30 mm cannon.
- Spike NLOS missile system: An eight-round launcher for long-range guided missiles capable of striking targets beyond the operator’s direct line of sight.
- C-Dome air defense system: A 10-cell vertical launch system for short-range air and missile defense. This is the naval version of Iron Dome, using Tamir interceptor missiles.
- Remotely operated weapon stations: Lighter remotely controlled machine guns or other weapons for security and close-range protection.
Technical specifications
As a sister ship to the Commodore Andreas Ioannides, the new vessel will have the same basic specifications.
It will measure 62 meters long and 7.6 meters wide, increasing to as much as 8 meters depending on its fittings, with a draft of 2.7 meters and a displacement of approximately 450 metric tons.
The vessel can reach speeds exceeding 32 knots and has a range of 2,500 nautical miles. It will have a crew of 30 to 35 and carry two rigid inflatable boats for rapid-response operations, along with facilities to accommodate and transport a small naval special forces team.
