Israel and Cyprus signed an agreement Oct. 26 for a new offshore patrol vessel and an upgrade to Cyprus’ Ioannides, expanding equipment available to the island’s naval command, Cyprus’ Ministry of Defence said.
The agreement pairs construction of a new vessel with upgrades to systems aboard the Ioannides, Cyprus’ existing patrol vessel. Israel Shipyards is to build the ship, and Rafael will supply its naval systems, the ministry said.
Israeli Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram and Stelios Kountouris, acting permanent secretary of Cyprus’ Ministry of Defence, signed the agreement in Cyprus. The ministry said the procurement would give Cyprus Naval Command new equipment for operations at sea, including patrol, surveillance and search-and-rescue work.
A pre-signing estimate put the proposed deal at about €150 million, Calcalist reported Oct. 20. The ministry’s announcement did not state a contract value. The signing follows EconoTimes’ earlier report on the proposed purchase, which said terms were still being finalized.
