Greek Cypriot Administration Accelerates Armament: Shipments from the US and Israel, Reaction from Türkiye

The Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) has prepared a procurement list from the US including aircraft, helicopters, howitzers, and armoured personnel carriers. While Barak MX air defence systems have been delivered from Israel, Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Kurtulmuş drew attention to the militarisation of the island.

The Greek Cypriot Administration is rapidly turning the island into an arsenal. Following the delivery of the second batch of Barak MX air defence systems from Israel, GCASC is now preparing for the procurement of military equipment from the US.

Procurement List from the US

Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou announced that a military delegation will soon travel to the US to negotiate the supply of missing equipment. The list reportedly includes C-130 Hercules military cargo aircraft, Bell OH-58 Kiowa reconnaissance helicopters, CH-47D Chinook cargo helicopters, M109A5 howitzers, and various armoured personnel carriers (APCs). It was noted that some systems may be granted under the US Excess Defence Articles (EDA) programme.

Israel–GCASC Cooperation

It was reported that the second batch of Barak MX air defence systems from Israel has arrived on the island, with the shipment made via Limassol Port. The Tel Aviv administration is also monitoring Turkish military communications in the TRNC through a cyber security centre established in Southern Cyprus. The centre is planned to become fully operational by the end of 2025 under the coordination of the US and Greece.

Reaction from Türkiye

Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Numan Kurtulmuş, in a meeting with TRNC Interior Minister Dursun Oğuz, highlighted the militarisation on the island, stating:
“Recently, we have been closely monitoring military shipments to Southern Cyprus. This is not an ordinary activity.”
Kurtulmuş emphasised the need for Türkiye and the TRNC to act shoulder to shoulder:
“We will not abandon our national identity, and we do not accept the disregard of the Turkish Cypriots.”

Piri Reis and Eastern Mediterranean Tensions

Meanwhile, Türkiye’s NAVTEX issued for the Piri Reis research vessel has raised concerns in Greece. The Athens press reported that Ankara’s move was in response to Chevron’s drilling announcements off Crete and the Peloponnese. It was claimed that the route of Piri Reis covered the Greek continental shelf, and the Greek navy was reported to be closely monitoring the vessel.