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The Cyprus National Guard is preparing to expand its arsenal with U.S. military aircraft, helicopters and armored vehicles, part of a broader effort to modernize its forces and deepen defense ties with Washington and the European Union.
According to an article by Kathimerini's Apostolos Tomaras, President Nikos Christodoulides disclosed that Cyprus has formally applied to join the U.S. Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program, a move that ends decades of isolation under an American arms embargo imposed in 1987. The decision marks what officials describe as a turning point for the island’s military, founded 61 years ago.
According to defense sources, Cyprus has already received confirmation from Washington that surplus equipment could be made available. A Cypriot delegation is expected to travel to the United States in the coming months to assess what weapons and vehicles are on offer.
Transport aircraft, helicopters in demand
Cyprus is prioritizing transport aircraft and helicopters to support National Guard missions and search-and-rescue operations. Officials say the C-130 Hercules, a four-engine workhorse used for troop transport, humanitarian aid and medical evacuation, is among the likely options. The plane is already in service with the Hellenic Air Force, which could assist with maintenance if Nicosia acquires it.
The Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, widely used by U.S. and Greek forces, is also under consideration. Capable of moving troops, vehicles and supplies, it is seen as better suited to Cyprus’s needs than the smaller OH-58D Kiowa, which is primarily used for reconnaissance.
Armor and artillery
The request list also includes armored personnel carriers to replace Russian-made BMP-3 vehicles expected to be phased out and potentially transferred to Ukraine. Models under review include the Bradley M2A2 ODS-SA, the M1117 Guardian and the M113, all of which have been distributed to European allies through U.S. surplus programs.
In artillery, Cyprus is interested in acquiring retired M109A5 self-propelled howitzers, which Greece has already secured in large numbers through EDA. Nicosia is also seeking radar and air-defense systems to bolster protection of the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos.
SAFE program deadlines
At the same time, Cyprus is preparing to submit a weapons procurement list under the EU’s Support for Ammunition Production (SAFE) program. The initiative, funded with €1.18 billion in low-interest loans, requires member states to finalize requests by Nov. 30.
Officials say Cyprus will use the program both to cover immediate National Guard needs, especially replacing Russian-made systems, and to strengthen its domestic defense industry through partnerships with foreign manufacturers. Tanks remain under review, with both Israeli Merkava and European models being evaluated.
U.S. role at Cypriot bases
Part of the SAFE program involves significant upgrades to Cypriot bases, including the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base at Mari and the Andreas Papandreou Air Base. A U.S. military delegation is due in Paphos this month to finalize modernization plans.
Officials stressed the facilities will remain under Cypriot sovereignty, despite speculation about a permanent American presence. Planned improvements include extending the runway, adding hangars, and enhancing security infrastructure. A long-delayed road project linking Geroskipou to the airport is also expected to proceed in order to meet military requirements.
Defense planners in Nicosia say the combined U.S. and EU initiatives represent a rare opportunity for Cyprus to integrate more closely into European and regional security structures, while replacing aging hardware with systems that meet NATO and EU standards.
