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Israel views Greek Cyprus as a strategic "aircraft carrier" and is building a regional alliance with Athens and Lefkosa (Nicosia) to counter Türkiye's expanding influence in the Eastern Mediterranean and Syria, according to Israeli media reports published on Wednesday.
Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar held a trilateral meeting with senior Greek and Greek Cypriot Air Force officials in Greek Cyprus in recent days, with the gathering intended in part to "signal to Ankara that Israel is not standing idle against Turkish regional moves," Israeli security sources told Israeli media outlet Kan News.
"In effect, Israel—and not only Israel—views Cyprus as a kind of 'aircraft carrier,'" Israeli reports stated.
The strategic value of Greek Cyprus to Israel became evident during the 12-Day War with Iran earlier this year, when Greek Cypriot airports served as hubs for all Israeli aircraft, including civilian carriers—El Al, Arkia, Israir, Cal, and Air Haifa.
The Israeli Air Force has previously trained using Greek Cypriot airport runways as alternative landing sites in case Israeli air base runways are disabled by missile attacks.
Israeli reports described the alliance with Greek Cyprus and Greece as a significant strategic asset, with Maj. Gen. Bar has recently led a series of moves to strengthen ties, including joint exercises and the development of integrated defense capabilities.
According to Israeli reports, the Israeli Air Force is concerned about Türkiye, particularly the potential blocking of air corridors in the northern and eastern Mediterranean.
There are also fears that Türkiye may deploy radar and air defense systems in Syria that could restrict Israeli Air Force freedom of movement, which currently enjoys near-complete operational freedom over Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.
This freedom of movement provides Israel with a convenient and safe access corridor to Iran should it need to conduct strikes there "again."
Reuters reported last month that Greece is in talks with Israel to purchase air defense and advanced artillery systems to establish a new air defense array against aircraft and UAVs.
Greece has announced a large-scale plan to upgrade its armed forces, with approximately €28 billion ($32.8 billion) to be invested by 2036. Around €3 billion will be used to create a multi-layered defense system against aircraft and UAVs called "Achilles Shield."
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