United States–Cyprus Military Partnership

Historically, Cyprus leaned on Russian military ties, but recent years have seen a dramatic shift toward U.S. defense cooperation. The U.S. lifted its Cyprus arms embargo in 2022, strengthening military relations through counterterrorism training, naval security, and intelligence-sharing. As Cyprus positions itself as a Mediterranean security hub, its growing partnership with the U.S. complicates relations with Turkey while reinforcing America’s presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The U.S.-Cyprus Bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) and Cyprus’s inclusion in the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program have deepened military collaboration, particularly in naval security and counterterrorism operations.

History and Strategic Context

Post-Independence and Non-Alignment (1960–1990s): Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960 and adopted a neutral foreign policy, avoiding formal military alliances. The 1974 Turkish invasion and division of Cyprus led to U.S. arms embargoes and complicated diplomatic relations.
Warming Relations and Defense Cooperation (2000s–2010s): The U.S. lifted its long-standing arms embargo on Cyprus in 2020, signaling deeper military ties. Cyprus increased security cooperation with NATO countries and regional partners such as Greece, Israel, and Egypt.
Expanded U.S.-Cyprus Security Ties (2020–Present): The 2020 Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act recognized Cyprus as a key regional security player. The Bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) (2023) enhanced U.S. access to Cypriot military facilities and increased joint security initiatives.

Key Defense Agreements and Initiatives

Bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) (2023): Strengthens joint military exercises, security assistance, and defense logistics. Allows the U.S. to preposition military assets in Cyprus for regional stability operations.
Lifting of U.S. Arms Embargo (2020): Enables Cyprus to purchase U.S. military equipment, reducing dependence on Russian arms. Strengthens Cyprus’s air and naval defense capabilities.
International Military Education and Training (IMET) Program (2021): Grants Cypriot officers access to U.S. military training programs. Enhances joint counterterrorism and naval security training.
Maritime Security and Energy Protection: The U.S. assists Cyprus in securing offshore gas reserves from potential threats. Cooperation in anti-piracy, search-and-rescue, and counterterrorism operations.

Key Areas of Military Cooperation

Naval and Maritime Security: U.S. supports Cyprus’s efforts to monitor and defend its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Increased joint patrols to deter illegal arms smuggling and illicit trafficking.
Counterterrorism and Special Operations Training: U.S. special forces provide counterterrorism and hybrid warfare training to Cypriot forces.
Air Defense and Cybersecurity Cooperation: Expanding joint efforts to modernize Cyprus’s air defense and cyber resilience.

Strategic Significance

Enhances Eastern Mediterranean Security: Cyprus is strategically located between Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, making it vital for regional stability.
Supports Energy Infrastructure Protection: U.S. assistance helps secure offshore natural gas resources in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Reduces Russian Influence: Cyprus has historically used Russian-made weapons, but U.S. arms sales are shifting its defense alignment toward Western systems.
Expands U.S. Presence in the Eastern Mediterranean: Strengthens U.S. influence in a region with rising tensions between Turkey, Greece, and other regional powers.

Links

U.S.-Cyprus Bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement (2023)
Lifting of U.S. Arms Embargo on Cyprus (2020)
Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act (2019)