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Tag: military

  • Defence cooperation: Defence Minister Clarifies Cyprus-Greece-Israel Cooperation Talks

    Defence cooperation: Defence Minister Clarifies Cyprus-Greece-Israel Cooperation Talks

    Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas has confirmed that discussions regarding a Cyprus-Greece-Israel defence cooperation initiative have not taken place. This statement follows reports in Greek media suggesting that high-ranking military officials from the three nations were in talks about forming a rapid reaction force aimed at countering Turkey’s military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

    • Officials have made it clear that any procurement will take into account repair, maintenance, and transport costs to ensure economic efficiency and long-term sustainability.

    Palmas addressed these claims in an interview with philenews, emphasising that any such initiative would depend on significant political decisions rather than merely military consultations. He underlined the importance of the matter but stated it is premature to speculate whether a trilateral defence formation will materialise in the future.

    The relationships between Cyprus, Greece, and Israel are currently at a high point, according to Palmas. He noted that during his recent visit to Israel, where he met with the Israeli Defence Minister, the potential defence cooperation was not a topic of discussion.

    Amidst these diplomatic considerations, Palmas provided updates on military infrastructure developments within Cyprus. He indicated that upgrades to the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base in Mari and the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos are currently underway. These enhancements are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the operational capabilities of the National Guard.

    Palmas revealed that the United States has begun architectural and technical plans for the upgrade of the Paphos Air Base, which is expected to bolster Cyprus’s military infrastructure significantly. The decision to enhance the Mari Naval Base was solidified following the signing of the Cyprus-France Strategic Declaration in Paris, marking a pivotal moment for Cyprus’s role in the region.

    The planned naval infrastructure aims to be capable of hosting warships, with architectural and technical plans anticipated to be completed by 2026, leading to substantial construction work starting in 2027.

    In terms of military equipment, Palmas mentioned that the Defence Ministry and National Guard General Staff are prioritising the acquisition of surplus American military equipment. Cyprus is preparing to send a delegation to the US to explore various weapons systems suited for its needs. Among the equipment under consideration are American armoured personnel carriers and potentially Bradley-type vehicles.

    Officials have made it clear that any procurement will take into account repair, maintenance, and transport costs to ensure economic efficiency and long-term sustainability.

  • Audit Report Reveals Defence Ministry Waste and Staffing Shortcomings

    The defence ministry is facing significant challenges with wasteful spending and staffing levels, according to a recent audit report. Released by the Audit Office, the report examines the years 2021 through 2024, highlighting ongoing organisational issues and structural inertia that have led to fiscal costs.

    Long-Standing Issues with Departmental Mergers

    One of the primary concerns identified in the report is related to the merger of various departments within the defence ministry and the army general staff. This merger was part of a strategic plan initiated in 2015, aimed at streamlining operations and reducing operational costs. By April 2019, the integration was physically realised with both entities being housed in the same premises.

    However, contrary to expectations, the report reveals that the number of military personnel assigned to defence ministry departments has actually increased rather than decreased, undermining the intended efficiency of the merger. This rise in personnel contradicts the rationale behind the consolidation, which was designed to optimise resources and enhance operational effectiveness.

    Widespread Leasing Practices

    Another critical issue raised in the report is the delay in relocating to government-owned premises, resulting in a reliance on leased properties. The continued practice of leasing not only incurs additional costs but also illustrates a failure to fully implement the merger’s objectives. By prolonging the leasing arrangements, the defence ministry is potentially wasting valuable financial resources that could be redirected towards other essential services.

    Inefficiencies in Data Management

    The report also highlights the lack of modernisation in administrative processes within the defence ministry. There has been a notable failure to implement computerised systems that could efficiently track vital functions, such as requisitioning and orders of expropriation. Instead, data is being entered manually into spreadsheets, such as Excel, which significantly increases the risk of human error.

    Attempts to establish a computerised system that could connect with a central governmental database have not materialised, leaving the defence ministry reliant on outdated methods. This inefficiency not only hampers productivity but also poses risks to the accuracy of critical data management.

    Irregular Financial Commitments

    In a related section, the Audit Office recounts an incident from early 2023 involving then-president Nicos Anastasiades. During a visit to Athens in February 2023, he pledged a €2.5 million grant to Greece’s air force as a gesture of solidarity following a tragic crash involving a Greek Air Force plane. This public commitment resulted in the disbursement of funds that were not accounted for in the defence ministry’s budget, raising concerns about the irregularity of such financial commitments.

    Misuse of Military Vehicles

    The audit also uncovered continued misuse of military vehicles for transporting both military and civilian personnel from their homes to work. This practice has resulted in excessive fuel consumption, straining the fuel quotas allocated to various military units. Such actions not only violate existing regulations but also highlight a disregard for resource management within the defence ministry.

    The auditor-general has stated that if the army general staff wishes to continue this practice, it must formally request a change in the law, underscoring the need for adherence to legal frameworks and proper governance.

    Missed Opportunities for EU Funding

    Furthermore, the report notes delays in the installation of photovoltaic systems at National Guard camps, which is critical for harnessing renewable energy. These delays pose a risk of losing out on potential EU funding, which could have provided financial support for sustainable energy initiatives. The inability to capitalise on such opportunities reflects a broader pattern of inefficiency and missed potential within the defence ministry.

    The Defence Ministry’s Core Mission

    Despite these challenges, the Audit Office’s report emphasises that the primary mission of the defence ministry remains unchanged: to protect the territorial integrity and independence of the Republic of Cyprus from any hostile threats. However, the ongoing organisational problems and fiscal waste identified in the audit undermine the ministry’s ability to fulfil this essential mandate effectively.

    In light of these findings, there is an urgent need for the defence ministry to address these issues comprehensively. Implementing effective management practices, enhancing operational efficiency, and adhering to legal standards are crucial steps necessary for restoring public confidence and ensuring the ministry can meet its obligations.

  • Cyprus Secures €1.18 Billion in EU Defence Funding Through SAFE Regulation

    Cyprus Secures €1.18 Billion in EU Defence Funding Through SAFE Regulation

    eu defence — Cyprus has secured funding exceeding €1.18 billion for defence through the European Union’s SAFE regulation, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis announced on Friday.

    • eu defence — Cyprus has secured funding exceeding €1.18 billion for defence through the European Union's SAFE regulation, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis announced on Friday.
    • A preliminary list already exists, which will be refined in the coming period, taking into consideration the operational priorities of the National Guard and the government's strategic objectives.
    • In this context, efforts are also being made to upgrade the air base in Paphos and the naval base at Mari, with contributions from both the United States and the European Union.
    • “At this stage, Turkey and Turkish companies do not have access to this regulation,” he concluded.

    During a media briefing at the Presidential Palace, Letymbiotis stated that the Republic of Cyprus is actively participating in the SAFE regulation, which is designed to provide financial assistance to EU member states for immediate defence needs and to enhance collective security.

    Letymbiotis emphasised the significance of this funding amidst the current international situation, noting that Cyprus had submitted its intention to utilise the mechanism in a timely manner. On 9 September 2025, the European Commission announced the allocation of funds, with Cyprus’s share totalling €1,181,503,924.

    This substantial amount is particularly noteworthy given the size of the Republic of Cyprus, demonstrating the trust placed in the country and its capability to leverage European resources for strengthening defence and deterrent power.

    The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the General Staff of the National Guard, is currently processing a list of armaments programmes that will be included in the investment plan. This plan is set to be submitted to the European Commission by 30 November 2025 at the latest.

    A preliminary list already exists, which will be refined in the coming period, taking into consideration the operational priorities of the National Guard and the government’s strategic objectives.

    Letymbiotis explained that the SAFE programme spans five years, with funding averaging approximately €220-230 million annually. These amounts will be adjusted according to the needs and capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus.

    He highlighted the government’s priority of bolstering the Cypriot defence industry, aiming to utilise these programmes to enhance domestic production, promote international collaboration, and contribute to the improvement of the National Guard and Cyprus’s involvement in European and global defence value chains.

    In tandem with this, Cyprus is also taking advantage of recent US decisions to include the country in various defence programmes, such as Excess Defence Articles (EDA) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS). Cyprus has already reached out to the US Pentagon with a verbal request for specific weapons systems from surplus American military stocks as part of its plan to strengthen the National Guard.

    Teams from the National Guard are expected to travel to the United States soon to inspect and evaluate the requested weapons systems. Letymbiotis noted that this strategic cooperation with the US is part of a broader effort to deepen relations in the defence and security sectors.

    “Alongside the European dimension through SAFE, bilateral relations with Washington provide Cyprus with access to modern equipment, often at low cost or for free, which will aid in modernising the National Guard and fortifying our deterrent capabilities,” he stated.

    In this context, efforts are also being made to upgrade the air base in Paphos and the naval base at Mari, with contributions from both the United States and the European Union.

    Addressing questions about Turkey’s application to join the SAFE regulation programme, Letymbiotis clarified that the current provisions remain unchanged. He referenced statements from EU and Commission officials regarding the programme’s clear stipulations that require a candidate state to agree to a bilateral agreement with the EU, necessitating the approval of all 27 member states.

    “At this stage, Turkey and Turkish companies do not have access to this regulation,” he concluded.

  • Eu funding: Cyprus Secures €1bn from EU for Defence Enhancements

    Eu funding: Cyprus Secures €1bn from EU for Defence Enhancements

    eu funding — eu funding — Cyprus is set to receive €1 billion in funding from the European Union as part of its Security Action for Europe (Safe) programme. The European Commission confirmed the disbursement of €1,181,503,924 on Thursday, which is a significant boost for the island’s defence capabilities.

    This funding initiative is part of a larger €150 billion allocation aimed at enhancing security across the EU. Alongside Cyprus, 18 other member states are also expected to benefit from this financial support.

    Eu funding: Major Allocations to Other EU Nations

    Poland tops the list of beneficiaries, receiving an impressive €43.7 billion. Romania and France follow closely with allocations just over €16 billion each. Greece, while receiving a smaller amount, will still gain approximately €788 million, slightly less than Cyprus.

    Common Procurement Strategy for Military Hardware

    The Safe programme encourages EU member states and allies to collaborate on “common procurements” for military equipment. This strategy is designed to ensure that at least two participating countries join forces for any procurement initiative.

    Eligibility and Broader Participation

    All EU member states qualify for the Safe programme, which also extends to Ukraine and four European Economic Area nations—namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Additionally, six countries that have signed common defence agreements with the EU, including Albania, Japan, Moldova, North Macedonia, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, are also eligible.

    Cyprus’s Commitment to Defence Collaboration

    The Cypriot government has formally indicated its intention to engage in the Safe programme’s common procurement component. This announcement came during a visit from officials of the EU’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-Defis) in July.

    Panayiotis Hadjipavlis, the procurement director at the defence ministry, expressed that the government is actively communicating with allied nations, especially Greece, to explore joint procurement opportunities. This collaboration aims to streamline defence acquisitions while fostering stronger ties between member states.