The interoperability of defence systems and the broader strategic cooperation between Cyprus, Greece and Israel are gaining increasing significance in the current geopolitical environment of the Eastern Mediterranean, according to Dr Antonis Stylianou, a law professor and maritime law specialist.
Speaking on Politis Radio, Stylianou described the "Achilles Shield" agreement between Greece and Israel as an "extremely important agreement", arguing that it represents a broader geopolitical and strategic initiative rather than a purely military procurement programme.
"It is not only an air-defence system"
Stylianou described the Achilles Shield as a multi-layered defence system.
"This is an extremely important agreement. It is the first time that Israel has become involved in such a large-scale cooperation effort aimed at creating an integrated defence system."
According to him, the system is not confined to conventional air-defence capabilities.
"The 'Achilles Shield' is not only an air-defence system. It is also an anti-ballistic system and a counter-drone system."
He added that it is based on technologies already tested operationally in Israel.
"It relies on technologies that have already been proven in operational conditions in Israel, such as the well-known Iron Dome."
Cyprus's role
Discussing the Republic of Cyprus's position within the broader framework, Stylianou argued that Cyprus's involvement stems from the wider cooperation among the three countries.
"The way Cyprus is involved is through the broader strategic cooperation between Cyprus, Greece and Israel."
According to him, defence cooperation already exists and Cyprus is currently strengthening its air-defence capabilities with Israeli systems.
"There is already cooperation in the field of defence, while the Republic of Cyprus is in the process of enhancing its air-defence capabilities with Israeli systems."
He added:
"There is the possibility of interconnecting these systems."
Importance of interoperability
Stylianou placed particular emphasis on the ability of different systems to work together.
"The most important element is the interoperability and connectivity of the systems."
He argued that connecting defence networks can significantly enhance the effectiveness of security arrangements in the region.
Strategic cooperation, not a military alliance
Asked whether the initiative points to the emergence of a broader regional axis, Stylianou agreed but was careful with his terminology.
"Exactly. As the Israeli prime minister also stated, this is a strategic cooperation between Cyprus, Greece and Israel."
He continued:
"I choose my wording carefully. I am speaking about strategic cooperation and not a military alliance."
Geopolitical developments and the Cyprus issue
Responding to a question on whether these developments could affect prospects for a Cyprus settlement, Stylianou linked the agreement to wider geopolitical changes in the region.
"These developments are primarily connected to the geopolitical realignments taking place in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East."
He characterised the region as particularly unstable.
"This is a highly unstable region and all countries are adapting their strategies accordingly."
At the same time, he argued that greater cooperation could be pursued in parallel within the Cyprus context.
"As far as the Cyprus issue is concerned, I personally believe there should be far greater cooperation, even on humanitarian matters."
Humanitarian cooperation as a confidence-building measure
Stylianou suggested that cooperation between the two sides in Cyprus during emergencies could become a meaningful Confidence-Building Measure.
"The first real Confidence-Building Measure should be cooperation on humanitarian crises."
According to him, such cooperation could include:
- Wildfires.
- Maritime disasters.
- Search-and-rescue operations.
- Other emergency situations.
"Whether we are talking about fires, shipwrecks or search-and-rescue operations, there should be coordination and cooperation."
He added:
"Instead of meetings being postponed, they should be accelerated."
"The real issue is effectiveness"
Asked about a listener's humorous observation that the name "Achilles Shield" also evokes the phrase "Achilles heel", Stylianou laughed and replied:
"Names always have their own significance."
However, he stressed that the focus should remain on the substance of the initiative.
"What matters is the substance and the effectiveness of the systems being developed."
