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Cyprus is adding a new patrol vessel to its navy under an agreement signed with Israel on Monday, as the island seeks to strengthen its ability to monitor and respond to incidents at sea.
The vessel will be built by Israel Shipyards and equipped with naval systems from Israeli defense company Rafael, according to Israel’s Ministry of Defense. The agreement also provides for upgrades to the Ioannidis, an existing Cyprus Navy patrol vessel built by the same shipyard.
Together, the new and upgraded vessels will support patrols, surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions, the Israeli ministry said.
For an island surrounded by busy shipping routes and offshore energy projects, maritime security covers everything from monitoring activity at sea to responding when vessels or people are in distress.
Cyprus Defense Minister Vassilis Palmas said the agreement was an important step in strengthening the National Guard’s operational capabilities and its ability to respond to maritime security challenges.
The deal was signed in Cyprus by Israeli Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram and his Cypriot counterpart, Deputy Director General Stelios Kountouris, according to the Israeli ministry.
The ministry said the agreement also reflected closer defense and security cooperation between the two countries and their shared commitment to regional stability.
