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.