A recent phone call from Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide to President Nikos Christodoulides brought unexpectedly positive news: Norway has opened applications for the export of defence-related and dual-use military material to Cyprus, lifting a ban that had been in place for 65 years.
The move provides the Cypriot Ministry of Defence and the National Guard with an additional reliable option for procuring military equipment. While the scope for immediate acquisitions may be limited, officials note that exploring these new avenues strengthens Cyprus’ negotiating position and ensures more cost-effective procurement decisions.
High-level Norwegian defence industry
Although Norway’s military production is not widely known to the general public, its defence industry enjoys a strong reputation in European military circles. Key manufacturer Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA), half-owned by the Norwegian government, produces sought-after systems such as the NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) and NSM (Naval Strike Missile), alongside remote-controlled weapon stations like the Protector RWS, which have seen global demand.
Norwegian firms also continually upgrade existing systems to address new threats, including drones and hypersonic vehicles, ensuring that their products remain at the technological forefront.
Cyprus’ immediate interests
For the National Guard, priorities currently focus on equipment that enhances individual unit capabilities, including long-range scopes, night-vision attachments, and laser-based distance-measuring devices.
Submarine collaboration
Norway’s rapidly advancing defence sector is also collaborating internationally. A €5.5 billion joint programme with Germany to produce six U-212CD submarines, with delivery planned between 2029 and 2034, highlights the sophistication and ambition of Norwegian defence production. These submarines feature stealth-enhanced designs and increased weapons capacity.
Regional context
The development follows Norway’s recent lifting of export restrictions on Turkey, which had been in place since 2019, demonstrating Norway’s broader recalibration of defence trade in the region.
For Cyprus, the decision represents both a diplomatic milestone and a practical opportunity to expand its defence options, reinforcing the country’s strategic positioning in a challenging regional security environment.