Cyprus and France implement defence pact
A military cooperation deal between Cyprus and France came into effect on 1 August.
The Cyprus-France Defence Cooperation Agreement, signed in April 2017, covers enhanced cooperation on energy and maritime security, especially with regard to offshore hydrocarbon drilling areas in the Eastern Mediterranean.
French energy company Total holds a licence from the Cypriot government to undertake exploratory drilling in seven areas to the south of the island.
In addition, the agreement encompasses early warning and crisis management, plus counter-extremism and anti-piracy operations.
France expects to play a greater role in Cypriot defence equipment and technology procurement, as well as joint military training and search and rescue exercises.
The agreement could also give the French Navy the right to base vessels in Limassol.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities]()
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
