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Turkey has strongly criticized Cyprus’s integration of the advanced Barak MX anti-aircraft missile system into its National Guard, calling the move a threat to regional stability. The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the matter, warning that this "policy of the Greek Cypriot side undermines stability and peace in the region, which may lead to an arms race on the island."
The statement accused the Republic of Cyprus of accelerating its military buildup, aligning with sentiments expressed by the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). “We share the views recorded in the statement of the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this issue,” the ministry noted, adding that the Greek Cypriot policies "may further deteriorate the stability and peace of our region and start an arms race on the island."
''TRNC'' officials also issued a separate statement, warning that the armament activities of the Greek Cypriots under the pretext of security "are very likely to bring destruction to the entire island."
Regarding the Armament Activities of the Greek Cypriot Administration https://t.co/4jc018Y8cK pic.twitter.com/P9FVKTb50T
— Turkish MFA (@MFATurkiye) December 6, 2024
The Barak MX anti-aircraft system represents a significant leap forward in Cyprus’s air defense capabilities, previously reliant on older Soviet-era systems. Developed by Israel, the Barak MX provides a network-centric defense platform capable of addressing multiple threats, including aircraft, UAVs, surface-to-surface missiles, and ballistic projectiles.
The system features a family of missiles with ranges from 15 to 150 kilometers:
- BARAK SR: Up to 15 kilometers
- BARAK MR: Up to 35 kilometers
- BARAK LR: Up to 70 kilometers
- BARAK ER: Up to 150 kilometers
Cyprus is reportedly deploying the MR version, with plans to acquire the LR variant in the future. These systems provide a robust defense umbrella, covering significant portions of the island’s airspace and potentially countering Turkish capabilities within the Nicosia FIR.
Turkey has also voiced concerns about Cyprus’s growing defense partnerships with countries like the U.S., Israel, and France. The "TRNC" warned that Cyprus’s strategic alliances could upset the region’s delicate balance.
“The support provided by the U.S. government to the Greek Cypriot administration under the guise of strategic partnership, along with military cooperation from countries such as Israel and France, poses the risk of changing the delicate balances in the region,” the "TRNC" Foreign Ministry said.
Turkey also referenced media reports suggesting that Cyprus is not only enhancing its defense capabilities but also exploring closer ties with NATO.
Ankara called on the Republic of Cyprus and its international partners to exercise caution and avoid actions that could escalate tensions. "We urge all parties to act with common sense and stop encouraging the Greek Cypriot side in its militarization efforts,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.
For Cyprus, the Barak MX system is a step toward modernizing its military and addressing security threats in a volatile region. With its ability to counter a wide range of threats, the system bolsters Cyprus’s defense posture against potential challenges, particularly from Turkey.
While Cyprus insists its actions are defensive, Turkey and the "TRNC" see them as provocative. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions on the island and the complex geopolitics of the eastern Mediterranean.
