Apostolos Tomaras
Cyprus is gearing up for one of the biggest overhauls of its National Guard in years, sending Brussels a sweeping shopping list of military hardware, from helicopters and drones to patrol vessels, missiles, and upgraded bases, all under the EU’s new SAFE program.
The list, prepared by the Ministry of Defense and approved by the Cabinet, lays out what the Republic hopes to buy from European defense manufacturers using up to €1.2 billion in low-interest EU loans. Cyprus is one of 19 member states submitting proposals, and the European Commission will make the final call on what gets funded. If all goes well, the first money could land in government accounts in the second half of 2026.
A big push for air power
Defense sources tell K that one of the largest requests, roughly €140 million, goes toward beefing up the National Guard’s air fleet. While the document avoids naming specific systems, officials confirm the goal is to activate purchase options for six additional H145M helicopters.
If approved, Cyprus would double its incoming fleet to 12, filling the gap left by the sale of 11 Russian-made MI-35 gunships to Serbia.
The rise of drones and the tools to stop them
The wish list also leans heavily into the drone era. The Guard wants both UAVs and anti-drone systems, with two possible suppliers: Limassol-based Swarmly Aero or Greek companies.
Cyprus has already added the H-10 Poseidon drone to its arsenal, showcased last week during celebrations for St. Barbara, the patron saint of the Artillery.
New vessels for a busier sea
Another major item: fresh surface vessels for the Navy. Officials don’t specify the type, but they are believed to be offshore patrol boats, the kind usually used by port authorities.
Cyprus’ Navy has taken on a heavier load in recent years, especially during the 2023 spike in migrant arrivals from Lebanon. If approved, this would be the Navy’s first new procurement since the P61 Archangelos A. Ioannidis.
The Army has the longest shopping list
The Army section is packed. The Guard is asking for upgrades to its armored personnel carriers, new targeting systems (handheld or vehicle-mounted), communications gear, and a broad range of ammunition, from rifle rounds to tank missiles, mortars, and artillery shells.
There’s also a request tied to French helicopter armaments, including:
- SPIKE ER2 missiles
- FZ275 laser-guided rockets
- FZ606 guided rockets
- FZ231 unguided rockets
Upgrades for two key bases
The list includes upgrades to the National Guard’s two most important installations: the Andreas Papandreou air base in Paphos and the Evangelos Florakis naval base in Mari.
Notably, the Paphos upgrade will be done in cooperation with the United States, which will cover part of the cost.
A role for Cypriot industry
About 15% of the funding will be set aside for the domestic defense industry, mostly through partnerships with European firms such as those in France or Greece. If Brussels rejects any item, Cyprus can replace it with another proposal, as long as it stays under the €1.2 billion ceiling.
Before anything moves forward, the House of Representatives must approve the spending. The Defense Ministry is expected to brief the House Defense Committee next week.
Cyprus’ SAFE program wishlist includes:
Helicopters, drones, anti-drone systems, missiles, anti-missile systems, cyber-defense equipment, communication systems, telecommunications gear, binoculars, mortars, firearms, drone infrastructure, armored vehicles, naval vessels, and upgrades to the Paphos and Mari bases.
