Cyprus Military Forces 🇨🇾

The Republic of Cyprus occupies a strategically significant position in the Eastern Mediterranean, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its strategic importance is heightened by the ongoing division of the island since the 1974 Turkish invasion, which has left a significant Turkish military presence in the northern part of the island. This division remains the primary driver of Cyprus's defense policy. The discovery of significant natural gas reserves in Cyprus's Exclusive Economic Zone has added a new layer to its geopolitical relevance, creating opportunities for economic growth and international partnerships but also exacerbating tensions with Turkey over maritime rights. Cyprus is a member of the European Union, a status that offers a degree of political and economic security, but it is not a member of NATO. The nation's foreign and defense policy is heavily reliant on its close relationship with Greece and seeks to build stronger security ties with other regional and international powers, including Israel, France, and the United States, to counterbalance the Turkish military advantage.

Military Forces

The armed forces of Cyprus, known as the Cypriot National Guard, are a combined arms force comprising land, naval, and air components. The force is based on a system of obligatory national service for all male citizens. The command structure of the National Guard is closely intertwined with the Hellenic Armed Forces, with Greek officers often holding senior positions.

The Land Forces form the bulk of the National Guard and are structured into brigade and regimental combat groups. The armored corps is equipped with a mix of Russian T-80U and French AMX-30 main battle tanks. The artillery includes Serbian Nora B-52 self-propelled howitzers and BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers. Anti-tank capabilities are centered on French MILAN and HOT missile systems, with more modern systems like the Spike LR2 being integrated.

The Cyprus Naval Command is a small force equipped with patrol boats, including Sa'ar 62-class vessels, and landing craft. It lacks major warships and its primary role is coastal and maritime surveillance. The Air Command operates a fleet of helicopters, including Mi-35P attack helicopters and SA-342L Gazelle scout helicopters, along with a few fixed-wing aircraft for transport and training. A key component of the air defense is the recently acquired Israeli Barak MX system, designed to counter aerial threats including drones and missiles.

Strategic Trends

Cyprus is in the process of a limited military modernization, driven by the persistent security challenge posed by Turkey and the new dynamics of energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean. A significant trend is the phasing out of older Soviet-era equipment in favor of more modern, Western-compatible systems. The lifting of a long-standing U.S. arms embargo is expected to facilitate access to advanced military technology. Another key trend is the growing emphasis on air and naval defense capabilities, evidenced by the procurement of advanced air defense systems and efforts to enhance maritime surveillance. Cyprus is also deepening its security cooperation with regional partners like Greece and Israel, as well as with major powers like France and the US, to enhance its defensive posture and bolster its strategic autonomy. These alliances are crucial for a nation that, despite its modernization efforts, remains significantly outmatched in terms of military hardware and manpower by its principal adversary.