Cyprus-Greece-Israel joint task force not under consideration, minister says
Source: in-cyprus.com
Greece, Cyprus and Israel have not discussed creating a potential defence cooperation to counter Turkey’s military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas told philenews.
Palmas was responding to reports on Greek media that high-ranking military officials in Israel, Greece and Cyprus are discussing the possibility of creating a rapid reaction force to protect their energy interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Such an initiative would primarily require a major political decision rather than result from military consultation, Palmas said. He described the matter as one of particular importance but said it is not possible to prejudge whether such a trilateral formation will proceed in future.
Relations between the Republic of Cyprus and both Greece and Israel are at their highest level in recent years, Palmas said. During his recent visit to Israel and meeting with the Israeli Defence Minister, the issues mentioned in Greek press reports were not raised for discussion, he added.
Regarding upgrades to the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base at Mari and the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos, Palmas said they are ongoing.
The US has already begun architectural and technical plans for the planned upgrade of Paphos Air Base, part of broader planning to strengthen National Guard infrastructure and operational capabilities, Palmas told philenews.
The decision to upgrade Mari Naval Base was essentially finalised after the signing of the Cyprus-France Strategic Declaration at the Élysée Palace. The development is of particular strategic importance, strengthening the Republic of Cyprus’s role in the wider region through creation of naval infrastructure capable of hosting warships. Architectural and technical plans are expected to be completed within 2026, with the first substantial construction work beginning in 2027, according to informed sources.
American surplus equipment has become a priority for the Defence Ministry and National Guard General Staff, with Cyprus able to select for National Guard needs. Palmas said Cyprus is awaiting a new invitation from the Americans for a Cypriot delegation to travel to the US to examine weapons systems of interest up close.
Under consideration is acquisition of American armoured personnel carriers or armoured fighting vehicles, among other equipment. Regarding information about possible equipment with Bradley-type vehicles, officials clarified the Republic of Cyprus intends to maximise opportunities provided by the American side and, if feasible, will submit a relevant request for this specific type of armoured vehicle.
Any transaction must factor in repair and maintenance costs, transport expenses to Cyprus, and all logistical support requirements to ensure it is economically efficient and long-term sustainable.
The original article: belongs to in-cyprus.com .
