Cyprus Navy: New Israeli patrol ship deal signed
The agreement covers a new vessel and upgrades to an existing ship, with a reported value of roughly $100 million.
By Riya Conti ·
Israel and Cyprus formalized a maritime defense partnership on Monday. The deal secures a new offshore patrol vessel for the Cypriot Navy, alongside modernization work on a ship already in service.
Defense Ministry Director General Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amir Baram signed the document in Cyprus. He was joined by Stelios Kountouris, the acting permanent secretary of the Cyprus Defense Ministry. The Israeli International Defense Cooperation Directorate, known as SIBAT, and the Cypriot Armaments & Defense Capabilities Development Directorate led the negotiations.
According to the Defense Ministry, the new ship will be built by Israel Shipyards. It will include a suite of Rafael naval systems. The contract also mandates upgrades to the systems aboard the existing Israel Shipyards-built patrol vessel, the OPV Ioannides.
The signing ceremony included several senior military and diplomatic figures. Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas, head of SIBAT, and Ambassador Shuli Davidovich represented the Israeli delegation. Eitan Zucker, CEO of Israel Shipyards, and Ran Tavor, head of Rafael's Naval Warfare Systems Directorate, attended from the industry side.
The ministry stated the new vessel will support expanded patrol, surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions. It will operate alongside the upgraded OPV Ioannides. The ministry described the agreement as a step to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Cyprus Naval Command in response to maritime security challenges.
The financial value was not listed in the official announcement. However, the Israeli news outlet Calcalist previously reported the package was worth approximately $100 million. The two nations have expanded defense cooperation in recent years, including joint military exercises and procurement of systems like the Barak MX air-defense unit and Spike LR2 missiles.
This latest contract follows the delivery of the Commodore Andreas Ioannides to Cyprus in 2018. That vessel was also equipped with Rafael Typhoon naval weapon stations. The agreement reflects ongoing coordination between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece in the eastern Mediterranean.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
