Cyprus gains access to US military hardware under new defence agreements

·

Cyprus has been authorised to purchase military equipment directly from the United States after joining three US defence programmes on Wednesday, January 15. These include the Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Excess Defence Articles (EDA) and Title 10 security assistance provisions.

Under the FMS programme, Cyprus can now bypass private companies and purchase military hardware directly from the US government.

This move is expected to offer cost savings, as the US typically buys military equipment in bulk, allowing for cheaper prices than those available through private sellers.

The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency described FMS as “a fundamental tool of US foreign policy,” allowing for better maintenance of equipment and enhanced training for Cyprus’ National Guard.

Photo: Jason Amadi / Army.

Cyprus is only the third country to establish a government-to-government military hardware agreement with the US, following similar agreements with Israel and Serbia.

The EDA programme provides Cyprus with surplus US military equipment at discounted or even no cost, helping modernise its forces.

Cyprus is also set to receive French Mistral surface-to-air missiles as part of the EU’s defence support package.

The move comes amid Cyprus’ shift away from Russia as a military supplier, following sanctions on Russian defence exports after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As a result, Cyprus is increasingly turning to Western countries and Israel for its military upgrades.

Source: Cyprus Mail.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Debt cleared as Hellenic Village engages new $119.5 million buyer for Austral site

The sale of Hellenic Village’s 105-acre property at Gurner Avenue in Austral has taken a turn following the withdrawal of the initial buyer.

International stars, local talent and cultural delights await at Greek Festival Darling Harbour

The highly anticipated Greek Festival Darling Harbour is set to take over Darling Harbour this February 22-23.

‘Good Samaritan’ Nick Karagiannis sentenced for fraudulent car dealings

Nick Karagiannis has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment to be served in the community after pleading guilty to fraudulent car dealings.

Brotherhood of Chalkidiki in NSW hosts successful Annual General Meeting

The Brotherhood of Chalkidiki 'Aristotelis' of NSW celebrated a milestone event on Sunday, February 9, hosting its Annual General Meeting.

Arcadians in Victoria lead commemoration for Greek Revolution hero Kolokotronis

On Sunday, February 9, Arcadians in Melbourne were joined by members of the Greek community to honour the memory of Theodoros Kolokotronis.

You May Also Like

Vicky Staikopoulos: Changing Australia’s wool industry a micron at a time

Dr Vicky Staikopoulos, founder of SA start up Woven Optics talks about her diverse career and the device she developed to assist wool farmers

Melbourian Mel Pateras creates lipstick range which helps women with cancer

Mel Pateras has developed her own luxury lipstick brand Meleros Cosmetics with proceeds going to help women with cancer.

NSW authorities name new bushfire modelling system after Greek goddess

Named after the Greek Goddess of war, the new fire modelling system Athena has arrived and is ready to put an end to bushfires.