Nicosia: Cypriot defence and dual-use companies have attracted about £48 million in direct funding, strengthening their technological capabilities, product development, and industrial capacity, while helping establish Cyprus as "a reliable and credible co-producer within Europe's defence supply chain," President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides made these remarks at the opening of the 3rd International Defence and Security Conference 'Battlefield ReDEFiNED 2026', held under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. He highlighted the 'remarkable growth and resilience' in the sector over the past five years, attributing this success to strategic investments and collaborations.
The conference, organized by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises, and C.D. Multimedia Services Ltd, took place at Pavilion Hall in Nicosia. President Christodoulides emphasized that with support from the Ministry of Defence, 18 Cypriot companies have secured participation in 44 European Defence Industrial Development Programmes and European Defence Fund projects, with a combined total project budget of approximately £600 million dedicated to next-generation European defence systems.
Addressing current global conflicts, the President pointed out the "fragility of peace" highlighted by the ongoing war in Ukraine and other regional conflicts, stressing the importance of preparedness and the defence industry's role in enhancing Cyprus' deterrence capabilities and regional security.
President Christodoulides outlined the need for Europe to remain 'Innovative, Competitive, and Connected to trusted partners,' and emphasized that investing in defence technologies is a 'strategic necessity' amid hybrid threats and cyber challenges. He expressed confidence in the future of the Cyprus Defence Industry, recognizing the efforts of visionaries and entrepreneurs within the sector.
The President assured continued governmental support, highlighting the strategic importance of the industry's success for both Cyprus and Europe. He expressed ambitions for Cyprus to evolve from a consumer to a producer of defence solutions, contributing to the European defence landscape through innovation and high-quality manufacturing.
President Christodoulides reflected on progress since announcing six policies to strengthen the sector at last year's conference, noting they are now realities. He mentioned the drafting of a National Defence Industry Strategy with the European Commission, aiming to align regulation, capabilities, and innovation, bolster readiness, and integrate into European defence supply chains.
The President announced initiatives to promote international collaboration, including the SAFE programme, and set a target for 15% participation of Cypriot companies in major defence procurements. Additionally, a National Registry of Cypriot Defence Industry Manufacturers is set to enhance transparency and compliance.
To expand Cyprus' international presence, the government is funding National Pavilions at major defence exhibitions, with participation already confirmed for DEFEA 2025 in Athens and plans for EUROSATORY 2026 in Paris.
The conference also marked the signing of the SOLIS project, a satellite communications contract with Hellas Sat, the French National Space Agency (CNES), and industrial partners, enhancing Cyprus' strategic autonomy and role in European security.
'Battlefield ReDEFiNED 2026' draws together European institutions, national authorities, and industry actors to explore how policy and technology translate into deployable capabilities, with an agenda including welcoming speeches, the President's keynote, an award ceremony, and high-level thematic sessions.