Rafael to provide naval systems, but technical details remain undisclosed
Israel has signed an agreement to supply Cyprus with a new offshore patrol vessel fitted with naval systems from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The deal also includes upgrades to the systems aboard Cyprus’s Commodore Andreas Ioannides, another vessel built by Israel Shipyards.
Israel’s Ministry of Defense said on October 26 that Israel Shipyards will build the new vessel and equip it with a range of Rafael systems. The specific equipment has not been disclosed.
Cyprus received the 62-meter Ioannides in 2018. Israeli officials said the new vessel and the upgraded ship will support expanded patrol, surveillance and search-and-rescue missions.
Spike missiles and air-defense systems among the possibilities
The planned upgrades for the Ioannides have not been specified. Cypriot media have suggested that they could include naval systems based on Rafael’s Spike NLOS missile.
Other potential options include the Typhoon naval gun and C-Dome, the maritime version of the Iron Dome air-defense system. Both are used aboard Israeli Sa’ar 6-class vessels, but there is no confirmation that either will be included in the Cypriot upgrade.
The agreement does not disclose the contract’s value or a delivery date for the new vessel. A report published by Cypriot media on October 20 estimated the deal at €150 million, or about $167.7 million.
Cyprus and Israel deepen defense cooperation
Cyprus Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas had previously said the country would acquire a second patrol vessel from Israel. Cypriot officials described the agreement as an important step toward strengthening the Naval Command and improving its ability to respond to maritime security challenges.
Cyprus already operates several Israeli defense systems. The Cypriot National Guard uses Rafael’s Spike LR2 anti-tank missile, while the country also operates the Barak MX air-defense system made by Israel Aerospace Industries. Reports in 2022 said Nicosia was also considering acquiring Iron Dome.
Maritime tensions add regional significance to the deal
Israel is also deepening defense ties with Greece. In August, the two countries signed the multi-billion-dollar Achilles Shield agreement for Israeli air-defense systems. Israel and Greece also held a joint naval exercise in the eastern Mediterranean.
The Cyprus agreement comes amid tensions over maritime boundaries in the region. Days earlier, Libya and Turkey signed a controversial deal to delimit maritime zones, extending a long-running dispute over territorial rights. Israel, Greece and Cyprus were among the countries that opposed the agreement.
