Israeli defence firms eye operations in Cyprus amid EU Safe financing programme discussions
Israeli defence companies have shown interest in establishing operations in Cyprus to leverage the European Union’s Safe defence financing programme, during President Isaac Herzog's visit to Nicosia. Herzog and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides discussed deepening defence cooperation, including Cyprus’ plans to acquire Israeli military equipment such as the Merkava battle tanks, potentially replacing Greece’s older Leopard units.
Cyprus is eligible for up to €1.18 billion under the EU’s Safe security action for Europe programme, aimed at supporting member states' defence investments. The European Investment Bank approved Cyprus’ defence investment plan earlier this year, with the EU endorsing the funding agreement. Israel is already a key supplier for Cyprus, providing advanced systems like Barak MX air defence platforms, radar systems, and plans for attack helicopters.
The leaders also touched on energy collaboration with progress in the Aphrodite gas field and the Great Sea Interconnector project. Tourism links were highlighted as flights between the countries have surpassed 200 weekly. Herzog expressed a longstanding affection for Cyprus and proposed a hopeful, though informal, trilateral meeting including Lebanon to foster regional peace.
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