Cyprus’ procurement of Israeli air defense angers Turkey

Produced by Israeli Aerospace Industries, the Barak MX provides comprehensive protection against a wide array of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles.

By Kostis Konstantinou, TPS

While Cypriot officials refused to respond on the record to Turkish criticism of Nicosia’s purchase of an Israeli air defense system, one official told the Press Service of Israel that Ankara is likely trying to stir tension in the Eastern Mediterranean to extract concessions.

Turkey, the Cypriot source said, is furious over the growing ties between Jerusalem and Nicosia and encouraged by the United States.

Officials in the Turkish Defense Ministry were quoted by the Associated Press as saying that Cyprus’ purchase of the Israeli-made Barak MX air defense system could destabilize the divided island’s “fragile balance,” leading to “dangerous consequences.”

The second shipment of the system reportedly arrived in Cyprus in recent days. Nicosia is retiring its aging Russian BUK-M1 systems.

Produced by Israeli Aerospace Industries, the Barak MX provides comprehensive protection against a wide array of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles.

Greece is also considering purchasing the Barak MX to replace its U.S.-made HAWK and Soviet-era S-300 air defense systems.

Turkey has openly admitted to establishing a drone base in Turkish-occupied North Cyprus. It is estimated to have 320 tanks and 650 armored personnel carriers stationed in the northern part of the island.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the island and captured 37% of its territory.

In 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was proclaimed, a move condemned by the United Nations. No country except Turkey recognizes the self-proclaimed state.