As defence relations deepen, the United States evaluates its military presence in Cyprus

A military assessment team from the United States is scheduled to arrive in Cyprus this week as part of ongoing defence enhancements, according to Cypriot officials on Tuesday. This visit follows Washington’s announcement regarding increased collaboration with the Mediterranean island.

The evaluation team, operating out of Germany, will offer expertise and guidance on infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving interoperability with the United States and other allies, stated Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis.

Letymbiotis emphasized during a news briefing that “the enhancement of infrastructure, provision of modern equipment, and investment in training are fundamental components of our national strategy for a robust and adaptable defense.” The assessment will be conducted at a military facility located in the western district of Paphos.

Positioned strategically at the crossroads of the unstable Middle East, Cyprus, a member of the European Union, has been instrumental in evacuating civilians during various escalations of conflict in the region.

Last year, the island established a humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza, coinciding with a ceasefire agreement that took effect on Sunday. The relationship between the U.S. and Cyprus has strengthened in recent years, drawing attention from Turkey, which invaded the northern part of Cyprus in 1974 following a brief coup inspired by Greece. Both Turkey and the self-declared Turkish Cypriot state in northern Cyprus have expressed criticism regarding this cooperation.

The evaluation will include an examination of the feasibility of enhancing the airbase’s landing facilities to facilitate large-scale evacuation operations from the area if necessary, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to Reuters.

The source requested anonymity as they were not permitted to communicate with the press.