Nicosia: Procedures for the action plan for the European Union’s SAFE program are currently in progress, with the Cyprus Defence Industry Council set to convene soon, as revealed by Panayiotis Hadjipavlis, Director of Armaments and Defense Capabilities Development at the Ministry of Defence, in an interview with the Cyprus News Agency.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the action plan must be submitted by November 30, and events and conferences are being organized by the Defence Ministry. These initiatives aim to foster cooperation between Cypriot and foreign companies within the defence sector. Hadjipavlis highlighted upcoming activities involving the British Ministry of Defence and the Embassies of France and Poland in Cyprus, focusing on establishing a framework for collaboration in research, technology, and the development of new technological defense systems, along with joint procurement efforts.
Hadjipavlis noted that a team from the European Defense Agency recently visited Cyprus to explore new prospects for cooperation in the defence sector with EU member states. Additionally, a demonstration by the National Guard will showcase the outcomes of “Athena” Research and Development programs. There is an increasing interest among Cypriot companies producing dual-use products for the defense sector, with the potential for joint ventures with major European firms.
He announced that a conference concerning developments in the technological sector of defense is scheduled for mid-November, under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence. The Ministry will also participate in an event organized by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Embassy of France in Cyprus, in collaboration with the Deputy Ministry of Research and Innovation, focusing on modern technologies and dual-use products.
Hadjipavlis emphasized an event in collaboration with the British Ministry of Defence at the Cyprus High Commission in London. This event will involve the participation of the two Ministries and the Defence Industry Associations of the United Kingdom and Cyprus, aiming to create essential networking and contact opportunities. Another event, in cooperation with the Polish Embassy, will concentrate on cybersecurity and cyber defense.
He also mentioned ongoing discussions with the company assigned by the European Commission to prepare a toolkit to assist the Ministry in further promoting the development of its defence industry.