Cyprus decides to buy Israel's Iron Dome rocket defense system

Israel’s Iron Dome rocket defence system is set to be purchased for the Cypriot National Guard after its Defense Ministry’s approval.

The agreement has been signed by both Israeli and Cypriot officials. The Israeli Defense Ministry did not respond to an inquiry about the reported deal, according to The Jerusalem Post.

The National Guard is reportedly eager to add the Iron Dome system to its arsenal, as its range would fully cover the areas needed by Cyprus. In particular, Kathimerini notes, the system is considered ideal for both air defence and countering the threat of Turkish drones. The report described Iron Dome as the best system of its type available, as seen in its effectiveness recently against rockets fired from the Gaza Strip.

Head of the Cyprus National Guard Lt.-Gen. Demokritos Zervakis toured Israel as a guest of IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kohavi in early March. During the visit, Zervakis toured the Lebanese border and visited an Iron Dome battery.