**NICOSIA** – In a landmark development for its national defence, the Republic of Cyprus has successfully secured a substantial €1.2 billion from the European Union to undertake a sweeping modernisation and rearmament initiative for its National Guard. This unprecedented funding, unlocked via the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) regulation, marks the most significant investment in the island nation's military hardware since its inception, signalling a profound shift in its defence strategy and capabilities.
The approval of Cyprus's application to the SAFE framework paves the way for the acquisition of cutting-edge military equipment, predominantly sourced from the European defence industry. This strategic pivot aims to equip the National Guard with advanced capabilities, including main battle tanks, modern helicopters, sophisticated drone technology, and a comprehensive supply of ammunition across all calibres. The initiative is particularly geared towards replacing the aging fleet of Russian T-80U and T-80UK main battle tanks, which have been in service since the late 1990s, ensuring the island nation’s military remains operationally effective and technologically relevant in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. This move also signifies a deliberate departure from previous considerations of acquiring Israeli Merkava tanks, underscoring a clear commitment to fostering closer defence ties within the EU bloc.
While the current phase of rearmament focuses on land and air assets, it is noteworthy that the acquisition of new air defence systems is not presently included. Officials have indicated that existing capabilities, notably the Israeli Barak system, are deemed sufficient to meet current requirements. The meticulous planning for this extensive rearmament programme has been in motion for nearly a decade, with previous procurements being financed through national budgets. However, the EU funding represents a transformative injection of capital, enabling a scale of modernisation previously unattainable.
The allocation of this considerable sum will be disbursed in tranches, with the initial funding expected to arrive in the latter half of 2026. The precise amounts released will be determined collaboratively by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defence, guided by a detailed list of requisite military hardware that Nicosia formally submitted and Brussels has fully endorsed. This structured approach to funding ensures strategic alignment and fiscal responsibility throughout the multi-year programme.
The overarching objective of this ambitious undertaking is to transform the Cyprus National Guard into a contemporary, agile, and highly capable force. By integrating advanced European defence technologies, the initiative seeks to bolster the island’s defence posture significantly, enhancing its combat readiness and operational flexibility. This substantial investment underscores Cyprus’s commitment to adapting to evolving regional security challenges and solidifying its role as a dependable partner within the European security architecture, while simultaneously fostering greater synergy with the European defence industrial base. The long-term implications are expected to be a formidable enhancement of the National Guard's deterrent capabilities and a strengthened overall security framework for the Republic of Cyprus.