Israel has signed an agreement to supply Cyprus with a second offshore patrol vessel, supporting the island nation’s efforts to strengthen maritime surveillance and security capabilities in the eastern Mediterranean. Under the agreement, Israel Shipyards will construct the 62-metre (203-foot) vessel, while Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will integrate its naval systems. The new patrol ship is expected to help the Cypriot Navy protect its exclusive economic zone, monitor strategically important waterways and respond to emerging maritime security threats. Although the contract value has not been officially disclosed, local Cypriot media have reported that the procurement package is worth approximately €150 million ($166.7 million). Further details regarding the vessel’s specifications and onboard equipment have not been released. As part of the agreement, Israel will also upgrade the combat systems aboard the Commodore Andreas Ioannides (P61), an Israeli-built offshore patrol vessel delivered to the Cypriot Naval Command in 2018. The existing vessel is equipped with Rafael’s Typhoon remotely operated weapon stations, which can be configured to carry a 12.7 mm or 7.62 mm machine gun, or a 40 mm grenade launcher, depending on the selected configuration. The agreement represents a further step in Israel-Cyprus defence cooperation, combining the delivery of a new patrol vessel with the modernisation of an existing naval platform.
