Cyprus Signs Contract for Second Israeli Patrol Ship
The agreement includes a new vessel and upgrades to the existing ship, with an estimated value of $100 million.
By Alina Campbell ·
Approximately $100 million is the estimated value of a new naval contract signed on Monday between Israel and Cyprus. The agreement secures a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) for the Cypriot Navy, along with system upgrades for a ship already in service. The Defense Ministry announced the deal was finalized in Nicosia.
The signing ceremony brought together senior military and government officials from both nations. Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, the Director General of the Israeli Defense Ministry, signed the document alongside Stelios Kountouris, the acting permanent secretary of the Cyprus Defense Ministry. Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas, head of the International Defense Cooperation Directorate, also attended. Israeli Ambassador Shuli Davidovich represented the diplomatic mission in Cyprus. Eitan Zucker, CEO of Israel Shipyards, and Ran Tavor, head of the Naval Warfare Systems Directorate at Rafael, were present to witness the signing.
This transaction marks the second time Cyprus has purchased a major surface combatant from Israel. In 2018, the island nation received the Commodore Andreas Ioannides, an offshore patrol vessel built by Israel Shipyards. That original ship was fitted with Rafael Typhoon naval weapon stations. The current agreement explicitly includes upgrades to the systems aboard that existing vessel.
According to the Defense Ministry, the new vessel will be constructed by Israel Shipyards and equipped with a suite of Rafael naval systems. The ministry stated that the new OPV, working alongside the upgraded IOANNIDES, will support expanded patrol, surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions. The ministry described the move as a step to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Cyprus Naval Command.
Defense officials noted that the two countries have deepened their military ties in recent years. Cooperation has included joint military exercises, naval security initiatives, and procurement deals. Cyprus has also acquired Israeli air-defense systems, including the Barak MX, and Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles. The ministry said the new contract reflects a shared commitment to regional stability in the eastern Mediterranean.
The agreement was negotiated by the Israeli International Defense Cooperation Directorate and the Cypriot Armaments & Defense Capabilities Development Directorate. While the ministry did not specify a cost in its official statement, earlier reports from Calcalist placed the value of the proposed package at roughly $100 million. The deal adds to a broader framework of security coordination that includes Greece.
Both nations view the eastern Mediterranean as a critical zone for maritime security. The new vessel will enhance the Cypriot Navy's ability to monitor its territorial waters. The partnership relies on established industrial links between Israeli shipyards and Cypriot naval command structures. The signing concludes a period of negotiations led by the respective defense ministries.
