Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Parliament Speaker voices concerns over potential defense collaboration between Israel and Greek Cyprus
The divided island of Cyprus, in a state since 1974 following Turkey's invasion following a brief Greek-inspired coup, is once again in the spotlight as the Greek Cypriot government strengthens its defense.
The Greek Cypriot government, recognised internationally, controls the south of the island, while the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognised only by Turkey, controls the northern third. The recent delivery of Israeli air defense systems to Greek Cyprus has sparked condemnation from the TRNC, with Turkish Cypriot speaker Ziya Ozturkler characterising the move as an "open threat" to Northern Cyprus.
Greek Cyprus is seeking new defense suppliers due to losing access to Russian military hardware because of sanctions following Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Greek Cypriot military, according to Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas, has never been stronger, and remains on alert due to the Turkish military presence on the island.
Greece and Cyprus maintain a close defense partnership, with Greece providing military support and cooperation to the Greek Cypriot side. They have joint exercises and shared defense interests due to the Cyprus conflict. Cyprus has also developed defense ties with Israel, involving intelligence sharing and coordination. Current defense systems introduced by Greek Cyprus include advanced air defense systems like the S-300 missile system, provided by Greece, and ongoing modernization of its military equipment to counter threats in the region.
The first deliveries of the Israeli Barak MX anti-aircraft system have reportedly arrived on the divided island, according to Greek Cypriot television station Sigma. However, Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides is not confirming the delivery of Israeli air defense systems but has stated that his government will strengthen the deterrence force of Cyprus.
Ozturkler, who made his comments during a meeting with officials from the Oktan Turkish Organization Association, also criticised India's military cooperation with Greek Cyprus, calling it unacceptable for countries with no regional connection to make provocative moves in the Eastern Mediterranean. He further stated that countries like India and Israel, which carry out discrimination, violence, and massacres against Muslims, cannot claim the right to establish strategic partnerships in other geographies.
The ongoing tensions over the divided island and broader geopolitical alignments in the Eastern Mediterranean, where energy discoveries and strategic positioning have drawn increased international attention, continue to pose challenges to peace in the region. The delivery of Israeli air defense systems to Greek Cyprus and the response from the TRNC highlight the complex web of alliances and conflicts that characterise the region.
