Israel and the Greek Cypriot administration have signed an agreement for the supply of one offshore patrol vessel (OPV). The deal was signed by Israeli Defence Ministry Director General Amir Baram, who travelled to southern Cyprus with a delegation.
According to a statement from the Israeli Defence Ministry, the vessel to be delivered will be equipped with naval systems made by Israel-based defence company Rafael.
The agreement also covers an upgrade of the command and defence systems of the Israeli-built offshore patrol vessel "IOANNIDES", already operated by the Greek Cypriot side.
Israeli media have highlighted that Israel is one of the largest arms suppliers to the Greek Cypriot administration.
The deal follows recent high-level contacts between the two sides. Israeli President Isaac Herzog paid an official visit to southern Cyprus on 10 September at the invitation of Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, a trip that drew large protests from pro-Palestinian human rights groups.
