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The United States will continue allowing defense equipment and services to be supplied to Cyprus for another year, a decision President Nikos Christodoulides says shows how close the two countries have become on security.
Speaking to reporters Monday during a visit to Agios Dometios High School for the start of the school year, Christodoulides called the renewal “a clear message” about a relationship that is growing stronger.
In practical terms, Washington has extended its suspension of arms restrictions from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027. The policy opens the way for Cyprus to seek American military equipment; individual export applications still face review. It is an extension of an existing arrangement, not an announcement that Cyprus has bought new weapons.
Christodoulides said talks are underway with the United States about possible arms purchases. He also pointed to work on upgrading Cyprus’ infrastructure, specifically the Andreas Papandreou air base. He gave no details Monday about equipment, costs or a timetable for a deal.
The president offered another sign of the closer relationship: Cypriots are now studying at American military academies, he said. Defense and security cooperation has “never been at such a high level,” he told reporters.
For most people in Cyprus, the question is what that cooperation will mean here. Future decisions on equipment and the air base could shape how the country prepares for security threats and responds to crises in the region. For now, the confirmed U.S. decision keeps the route to American defense supplies open for another year; the purchases Christodoulides mentioned remain talks.
