The push for the establishment of a ‘high-tech’ Cypriot defence industry gained momentum as the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Trade, and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, discussed plans during a recent session.
In the meeting, the Ministry of Defence briefed the committee on its initiatives to develop a high-tech defence industry, using funds within the framework of the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO).
Following the session, Committee Chair and Disy MP Kyriakos Hadjiyianis stressed the importance of Cypriot participation in defence equipment programmes. He highlighted the country’s potential in research, technology, and the management, maintenance, and production of crucial defence equipment.
Hadjiyiannis stressed the need for a supervisory role by the state to prevent any abuses in the process. He announced that an agreement was reached to formalise this sector of the industry, and the Ministry of Defense presented specific proposals to involve local industries in defence equipment acquisitions.
He underlined the importance of strengthening the participation of Cypriot high-tech companies in international exhibitions.
“There are opportunities; this has been acknowledged by everyone, and such opportunities, if not integrated into a comprehensive policy framework, may not be fully realised as a country,” he said.
Hadjiyiannis mentioned plans for a follow-up meeting in three months to discuss specific legislation for the institutionalisation of this industry sector.
Akel MP, Kostas Kosta, expressed reservations about PESCO, equating it to the establishment of a European army. He urged Cyprus to be a bridge of peace and cooperation for the region’s peoples, not a launching pad for foreign armies.
Regarding the gradually developing high-tech defence industry, he acknowledged its substantial workload exceeding 350 million euros. However, he pointed out that Cyprus has struggled for 25 years to establish a scientific and technological park in Pentakomo, while Israel boasts 36 technological parks that significantly contribute to its economy.
He suggested that the government reconsider its approach to this project, which is directly related to research and innovation, and a venture that the previous government had cancelled.
