Cypriot Defense Ministry has struck a deal with Israel to purchase Iron Dome air defense systems, a local branch of the Kathimerini news media outlet reported on Friday. According to the newspaper, the sides had already finalized the deal, although neither Nicosia nor Tel Aviv have confirmed it publicly so far.
The Iron Dome capabilities were reportedly examined by the Cypriot National Guard Commander, Lieutenant General Dimokritos Zervakis, during his visit to Israel in March. “During his visit to Israel, the general will receive a briefing at the northern border and will visit an Iron Dome air-defense system battery,” the Israel Defense Force said in a statement at that time.
Earlier reports in the Israeli and Greek media suggested that the two nations had been holding talks about the deal at least since early 2021.
Cyprus currently possesses the US-made short range air defense systems (SHORAD) produced by the Northrop Grumman Corporation. According to some media reports, Nicosia still considers them “best fit” to counter the threats it considers the most pressing. Yet, the Cypriot air defense forces are also increasingly concerned about the Turkish-made drones, including those of the Bayraktar family.