The National Guard’s deterrence and the relationship with the US military system are being strengthened, sources told CNA on Wednesday regarding the US Presidential Determination on the inclusion of the Republic of Cyprus in three programmes concerning the possibility of acquiring military equipment, services and training.
The announcement concerns the Republic of Cyprus’ inclusion in three programmes: Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Excess Defense Articles (EDA), and Title 10 Security Assistance.
“Today we have three capabilities that we did not have yesterday,” competent sources told CNA, adding that the National Guard’s deterrence is being strengthened as well as the relationship with the US military system. They noted that until now Nicosia has not had the possibility of access to or discussion on anything related to these programmes.
“This is a move that consolidates the political stability of the Republic of Cyprus, strengthens its status in the geopolitical scene and, by extension, strengthens the persistent efforts of the Republic of Cyprus for ending the occupation and definitively resolving the Cyprus problem”, the sources said.
The same sources said that the US recognises the rapid strengthening of relations through the cooperation between the two countries on the Amalthea initiative, the evacuation of civilians through Cyprus, and joint exercises, among other things, that has culminated in the Strategic Dialogue and the visit of President, Nikos Christodoulides, to the White House. This issue was discussed in the framework of the Cyprus-US Strategic Dialogue and was also discussed during the meeting of President Christodoulides with President Joe Biden at the White House last October, they added.
It was also pointed out that the roadmap was launched in 2018 during the Donald Trump administration and was completed last September.
Sources told CNA that the Republic of Cyprus was arming itself to the point it can maintain its deterrence and defend its territorial integrity “with dignity”.
The same sources also referred to the possibility of a reaction from Turkey noting that this was something the American side is also aware could happen “nevertheless, it is proceeding with this decision”.
Referring to the programmes, the sources said that the FMS, provides the possibility of acquiring military equipment, services and training directly from the US Government. They explained that normally a country must purchase through companies that must have a permit for this and that this programme provides the possibility of bypassing this process. “This is an advantage, since it is a much faster process”, they said, noting that the equipment is cheaper than buying it from companies.
“It also increases the possibility of participating in exercises with the US and enhances compatibility and interoperability capabilities,” they added.
They also noted that the Republic of Cyprus has such arrangements – government-to-government – only with Serbia and Israel.
The EDA programme concerns excess defence equipment, “which the US provides to friendly countries for their military modernisation”, free of charge or at very low prices, they added. They also noted that in cases of procurement through this programme, the Republic of Cyprus will undertake their transport to the island.
According to the sources, Title 10 programmes strengthen the capacity building of participating countries through the provision of training and equipment, mainly to do with land and maritime border security and counterterrorism.
It was noted that the US State Department will implement these programmes in direct contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, and will approve requests from the Republic of Cyprus, on a case-by-case basis, depending on the equipment available.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Also read: Biden declaration grants Cyprus access to 3 major US military programmes
Source: CNA/EAN/EPH/2025
