Cyprus signs $100 million deal for new Israeli patrol ship

Cyprus will add a second Israeli built ship to its navy under a deal signed on Monday. The new offshore patrol vessel will cost approximately $100 million, a figure first reported by Calcalist but not confirmed in the official ministry statement.

The agreement was signed in Cyprus by Maj. Gen. Amir Baram, director general of the Israeli Defense Ministry, and Stelios Kountouris, acting permanent secretary of the Cyprus Defense Ministry. The deal was negotiated by the International Defense Cooperation Directorate in Israel and the Armaments and Defense Capabilities Development Directorate in Cyprus.

Israel Shipyards will construct the new boat. It will be fitted with a range of naval systems from Rafael. The ministry said the package also includes upgrades to the systems aboard the existing Israel Shipyards built patrol vessel, the IOANNIDES.

The ministry stated that the new ship and the upgraded IOANNIDES will support expanded patrol, surveillance, and search and rescue missions. The goal is to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Cyprus Naval Command and its capacity to respond to maritime security challenges.

The IOANNIDES was delivered to Cyprus in 2018. It is equipped with Rafael Typhoon naval weapon stations. Cyprus has previously acquired other Israeli defense equipment, including the Barak MX air-defense system and Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles, according to a report by Cyprus Mail.

Officials from both nations attended the signing ceremony. The group included Brig. Gen. Yair Kulas, head of the International Defense Cooperation Directorate, and Ambassador Shuli Davidovich. Eitan Zucker, CEO of Israel Shipyards, and Ran Tavor, head of Rafael's Naval Warfare Systems Directorate, were also present.

The ministry said the agreement reflects a commitment to regional stability. Israel and Cyprus have expanded defense cooperation in recent years. This includes naval security, military exercises, and defense procurement. The two countries also coordinate with Greece on security matters in the eastern Mediterranean.