Apostolos Tomaras
A new chapter in Cyprus–France military relations has opened following the signing of a defense cooperation agreement between the two countries’ defense ministers on the sidelines of the EU Defense Ministers’ meeting held in Nicosia.
Cyprus Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas and French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin elevated bilateral relations with the signing of a Defense Cooperation Agreement and a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), marking a significant step forward in military ties that until now were largely limited to occasional visits by French naval forces to National Guard facilities.
Speaking after the signing, Palmas said the agreement establishes “a modern and comprehensive framework for cooperation in the fields of defense and security,” regulating the rights and obligations of each country’s armed forces when operating on the other’s territory.
Both ministers described the agreement as the culmination of commitments previously announced by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Vautrin, for her part, pointed to the increased French naval presence in the region, particularly following the recent attack on the British base in Akrotiri, saying the agreement is “not an end goal but a step towards further strengthening military cooperation between our two countries.”
Expanded military cooperation across land, sea and air
The French defense minister expressed satisfaction with the growing defense relationship, highlighting the operational benefits of France’s presence in the region.
She referred to the regular presence of French naval vessels in Larnaca and Limassol, noting that around 30 French warships visit Cyprus annually. Since the beginning of 2026, there have already been 21 visits.
She also pointed to joint naval initiatives such as ARGONAUT and EUNOMIA, saying they demonstrate a shared commitment to strengthening maritime security, freedom of navigation, and crisis response capability in a strategically important region.
Under the new agreement, cooperation is expanded across all branches of the armed forces: army, navy and air force.
In land forces, the agreement builds on recent joint activity, including during the passage of the amphibious helicopter carrier Tonnerre, which strengthened cooperation in land mobility, air defense, and operational readiness.
In the air domain, National Guard infrastructure is expected to support French forces logistically and provide opportunities for aerial surveillance and defense cooperation.
Although not fully detailed, the agreement is expected to allow French military aircraft to use facilities at the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos for refueling and operational support. Both countries’ armed forces will also be able to conduct joint exercises in Cyprus or France.
A third pillar of the agreement focuses on French support for the modernization of the National Guard. During talks, the French side reportedly showed particular interest in the naval base at Mari, with initial discussions held on possible upgrades to Cypriot naval infrastructure.
Positive reaction in Nicosia
The Cypriot government has welcomed the agreement, with officials describing it as a high-level arrangement that reflects the strong political relationship between the two countries.
According to political sources, the SOFA agreement introduces mutual arrangements that will make it easier for both armed forces to cooperate in training, exercises, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
It also includes provisions on intelligence sharing, as well as arrangements for medical care and security for personnel when required.
Officials in Nicosia say the agreement further strengthens Cyprus’ role as a reliable security partner in the Eastern Mediterranean while deepening an already close relationship with France in defense and regional stability.
