Cyprus has reportedly struck a deal with Israel to purchase defenses capable of shooting down Turkish drones, Greek media reported.
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The sides have already finalized the deal, although haven't officially announced it, Kathimerini newspaper learned on Friday.
The Cypriot Defense Ministry has reportedly started to "implement the government's decision to purchase" the Iron Dome missile defense system, with agreements already being signed with Israel.
The media did not specify how many batteries of the system would be purchased, or when they would arrive in Cyprus. The two countries have been reportedly holding talks about the deal since early 2021.
Earlier in March, Cypriot military chief Lieutenant-General Demokritos Zervakis went on his first official visit to Israel, where he met with his counterpart, IDF Chief of staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi. Zervakis also examined Iron Dome capabilities during that trip.
"During his visit to Israel, the general will receive a briefing at the northern border and will visit an Iron Dome air-defense system battery," the IDF said in a statement.
The air defense system is designed to intercept and destroy missiles and rockets heading for populated areas. It showed a 97% success rate during the recent Operation Breaking Dawn against Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket attacks, triggering additional interest among foreign buyers.
In October 2021, Greek news reports indicated that Cyprus was in advanced negotiations with Israel to purchase Iron Dome batteries.
The Greek news agency SIGMA also reported that Cyprus would purchase four warships from France, which together with the Iron Dome will be "a comprehensive response to the Turkish threat."
The Iron Dome deal, if it materializes, could further undermine relations between Jerusalem and Ankara, which have been at loggerheads for many years stemming from geopolitical issues and Turkey's efforts, although the two countries have been aiming to repair ties.
Dean Shmuel Elmas contributed to this report.
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