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The United States, which lifted a decadeslong arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot administration five years ago and signed a series of military cooperation agreements granting it treatment similar to a NATO member, has accelerated training activities for the Greek Cypriot army.
During a visit to the island last month, a U.S. military delegation received a “weapons order list” from the Greek Cypriot side. A separate team of experts has also begun providing training to Greek Cypriot soldiers and police under the framework of counterterrorism.
Efforts by the U.S. to position the Greek Cypriot administration as a new hub in the Middle East have progressed step by step.
Washington gradually lifted the arms embargo it imposed in 1987, declared the Greek Cypriot army a partner force with the New Jersey National Guard, and included it in a program granting access to surplus defense equipment designated for NATO and non-NATO allied countries.
Last year, the Greek Cypriot side signed a military cooperation agreement with the U.S., opening its ports and bases. The U.S. decided to station forces at the Andreas Papandreou military base in the city of Paphos and began modernization efforts there.
During last month’s visit, the U.S. delegation received the first weapons procurement list from the Greek Cypriot administration. The initial phase includes military trucks and light weapons.
The Greek Cypriot side also expressed interest in C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, OH-58D Kiowa helicopters and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, which are also used by the Greek army.
The estimated $40 million cost for modernizing the Andreas Papandreou base, including its radar systems, is expected to be covered by the U.S.
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