Nicosia: The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the National Guard General Staff, is preparing the list of armament programmes that the Republic of Cyprus will incorporate into its application for loans and financing from the European Commission’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the list will be submitted on November 30, as stated by Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas. The SAFE instrument is a European Commission initiative aimed at enhancing the defence capabilities of EU member states. Cyprus has decided to participate in this programme, with an approved allocation amounting to one billion 180 million euros.
Minister Palmas explained that the next step involves submitting the list of armament programmes for which Cyprus seeks lending or financing. The programme spans five years, with an average annual allocation of 220 to 230 million euros, which the government will adjust to meet its specific needs.
Palmas emphasized the opportunity this programme presents for strengthening Cyprus’s deterrent power, particularly in light of the prolonged semi-occupation by the Turkish army for 51 years. He also indicated that a key objective is to bolster the Cypriot defence industry through these programmes. The Ministry aims to prioritize the development of the local defence industry, believing that current conditions are conducive for it to produce products and forge synergies to enhance Cyprus’s deterrent capabilities.