Israel has agreed to supply Cyprus with a second offshore patrol vessel as the island nation seeks to improve maritime surveillance and security in the eastern Mediterranean. Under the agreement, Israel Shipyards will construct the 62-metre (203-foot) vessel, while Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will be responsible for integrating its naval systems. The new ship is intended to help Cyprus secure its exclusive economic zone, monitor important maritime routes and respond to emerging security threats in surrounding waters. Although official financial details have not been released, Cypriot media reports estimate the procurement package at approximately €150 million, equivalent to around $166.7 million. Further technical specifications and details of the vessel’s equipment have not been disclosed. Alongside the new construction programme, Israel will upgrade the combat systems aboard the Cypriot patrol vessel Commodore Andreas Ioannides (P61). Built in Israel, the ship entered service with the Cypriot Naval Command in 2018. It is equipped with Rafael’s Typhoon remote-controlled weapon stations, which can be configured with a 12.7mm or 7.62mm machine gun or a 40mm grenade launcher. Depending on the weapon configuration, the system is reported to support firing rates exceeding 300 rounds per minute. The agreement combines the acquisition of a new patrol vessel with improvements to an existing platform, supporting Cyprus’s efforts to strengthen maritime monitoring and operational readiness.
