Southern Cyprus Republic signs patrol vessel deal with Israel
The Southern Cyprus Republic and Israel signed an agreement for a new offshore patrol vessel, with an upgrade for a ship already in service. Israel says the new vessel will be built by Israel Shipyards and equipped with Rafael systems. The announced agreement did not specify a delivery date or price.
Geopolitics··Night
Israel will build a second vessel
The Southern Cyprus Republic and Israel signed an agreement on October 26 for a new offshore patrol vessel and upgrades to an existing ship. Breaking Defense and Cyprus Mail both reported the agreement between the two countries’ defence ministries. Israel Shipyards will build the new vessel, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will supply naval systems. The Southern Cyprus Republic navy’s existing Ioannides, also built by Israel Shipyards, is to receive system upgrades under the agreement.[1], [2]
Both vessels will support patrol and rescue
Israel’s defence ministry said the new vessel and upgraded Ioannides would support expanded patrol, surveillance and search-and-rescue missions, Breaking Defense reported. Cyprus Mail identified the signatories as Stelios Kountouris for the Southern Cyprus Republic ministry and Amir Baram for the Israeli ministry. The Southern Cyprus Republic’s defence minister Vasilis Palmas had previously confirmed that a second vessel would be acquired and said it would be equipped similarly to the existing ship. The agreement therefore covers both a new platform and work on one already in service.[1], [2]
Delivery date and price remain undisclosed
Breaking Defense said the Israeli statement did not specify the contract value, a delivery date or the exact upgrades to Ioannides. It sought comment from the ministry and Rafael but received no response before publication. Cyprus Mail reported that Ioannides was the country’s first offshore patrol vessel and was launched from Haifa in 2017. The two reports identify the companies involved while leaving those particular details open.[1], [2]
