Cyprus is set to purchase technology from Israel that will be capable of intercepting Turkish drones.
Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported on Friday that the deal has been finalised but not formally announced.
According to The Times of Israel, the Cypriot Defence Ministry has begun “implementing the government’s decision to purchase” Iron Dome technology following the signing of agreements that have been in the works since early 2021.
Current reports have not detailed when the purchases will arrive in Cyprus, or how many batteries of the system have been bought.
In March this year Cyprus’ military chief, Lieutenant General Demokritos Zervakis received a briefing on the Iron Dome while attending his inaugural official visit to Israel where he met with his counterpart, Israeli army chief Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi.
Israel's main use for the system is as a defensive measure against improvised rockets fired from Gaza toward civilian populations.
Throughout this month's Operation “Breaking Dawn” against Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the system achieved a 97 per cent success rate in shooting down enemy missiles.
Claims Cyprus will purchase the Israeli defence system comes mere days after Israel and Turkey restored full diplomatic relations following over three years of friction after the latter strongly objected to the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Turkey does not recognise the government of the Republic of Cyprus. Around 3,355 square km of land in the island’s north unilaterally declared independence in 1983 as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This de facto state is recognised only by Turkey and the issue of reunification remains a source of tense debate and ethnic tensions.
Earlier this month Athens and Nicosia accused Ankara of heightening tensions in the region after the latter resumed drilling for natural gas in disputed waters, some 55 kilometres off its Antalya coast.
Cyprus and Israel meanwhile, enjoy strong ties, with recent plans for joint gas fields and a connecting subsea electric power cable fortifying existing military, political and economic links.
The island is one of the most popular destinations for Israeli tourists, and a frequent site for civil marriages that are unavailable but recognised in Israel.
