Cyprus receives Israeli air defence system amid strained relations with Russia

Cyprus has reportedly taken delivery of an Israeli air defence system, marking a significant shift as the east Mediterranean island seeks new defence suppliers after losing access to key Russian hardware.

Reuters reported that local media outlets confirmed the first deliveries took place on Tuesday. While Cypriot officials have refrained from commenting on the specifics, President Nikos Christodoulides emphasised the country's need to strengthen its deterrence capabilities, citing Cyprus’s occupation status and its strategic importance as an EU member state.

For years, Russia was a primary supplier of military equipment to Cyprus, but after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, sanctions halted much of this relationship.