I am very pleased to address you today, at the opening of the 3rd International Defence and Security Conference, “Battlefield Redefined 2026”.

A conference that brings together European institutions, national authorities, innovation actors and industry experts, in examining how policy and technology can translate into real readiness and deployable capability.

A conference that provides an opportunity to discuss the vital role the defence industry has in safeguarding the Security, Stability and Prosperity of our nations, our region and the European Union (EU). A conference that also represents an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the remarkable progress already achieved by the Cyprus Defence Industry. A progress, of which we are very proud.

This year’s conference takes place under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, placing our country at the heart of Europe’s strategic dialogue on security, innovation and defence readiness. For us, the Republic of Cyprus, the Presidency is not just an institutional role, but also an opportunity to accelerate solutions that reinforce Europe’s security and autonomy – grounded in industrial capacity, innovation and credible partnerships.

And in this context, I am especially pleased that this event is co-organised by a partnership that reflects the true European spirit of cooperation: the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space, the European Network of Defence-Related Regions, the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises and the Cyprus Defence and Space Industry Cluster.

We live in turbulent times.

The ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as the various conflicts in our extended neighborhood and beyond, underscore the fragility of peace, but also the critical importance of preparedness. They remind us that vigilance and advanced defence capabilities are indispensable for securing freedom. In the same vein, Cyprus, still suffering from Turkish military occupation, recognises the defence industry’s vital role in enhancing our deterrence capabilities and fortifying our country’s role in regional and European security.

At the same time, in an era marked by hybrid threats, cyber challenges and an increasingly contested space domain, our task is clear: We must strengthen Europe’s resilience, while remaining Innovative, Competitive and Connected to trusted partners. Investing in this sector is not only a responsibility. It is a strategic necessity.

I really believe in the Cyprus Defence Industry.

I believe in its prospects and I believe in its potential.

Over the past five years, the Cyprus Defence Industry demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience. It has emerged as a strategic pillar of our national security and industrial policy. With the support of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, 18 Cypriot companies have secured participation in 44 European Defence Industrial Development Programs and European Defence Fund projects, with a combined total project budget of approximately €600 mn euros dedicated to the development of next-generation European defence systems.

Through these projects, Cypriot companies have attracted approximately €48 mn euros in direct funding, especially strengthening their technological capabilities, product development, industrial capacity and establishing Cyprus as a reliable and credible co-producer within Europe’s defence supply chain. Cyprus is gradually evolving from a participant to a meaningful contributor to Europe’s defence and dual-use technological ecosystem.

These numbers and achievements speak for themselves and behind them stand visionary founders and entrepreneurs, dedicated engineers, researchers, scientists and technicians.

Today, I wish to personally thank all of them and also commend every Cypriot defence company represented here today. Your persistence, innovation and belief in Cyprus’ potential have built an industry from the ground up, often against the odds.

I want to assure you that the Government will continue to stand firmly by your side. Your success is not only an industrial achievement; your success is a strategic asset for Cyprus and for Europe. And your success is our success. And I firmly believe that through our close cooperation, the defence industry’s contribution to our country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) can reach double digits in the years ahead.

Let me reiterate: I really believe in the Cyprus Defence Industry.

My vision, our vision, is for Cyprus to move beyond being a consumer of defence solutions and become a producer. To become a force that actively shapes the European defence landscape; through innovation, through cutting-edge technologies, through high-quality manufacturing.

To realise this ambition, at this very conference last year, I announced six concrete policies aimed at strengthening and advancing the Cyprus Defence industry. At the heart of these actions stood the establishment of the Cyprus Defence Industry Council, providing strategic guidance and driving the growth of our national defence industrial base.

Today, I am proud to say that these policies are not just visions. They are implemented realities.
And as I did last year, I want to present concrete examples on how my government continues to implement specific supporting measures in support of the Cyprus Defence industry:

1. Cyprus is drafting a National Defence Industry Strategy, together with the European Commission, in order to create a coherent framework for its industrial defence ecosystem. Our aim: to align regulation, industrial capabilities and innovation, to strengthen readiness, integrate into European defence supply chains and support the transition from innovation to deployable capabilities.
   
2. We are promoting International Industrial Collaboration on Defence Programs, starting from the SAFE program. Our goal is to establish a formal framework that ensures meaningful participation by Cypriot defence companies in armament contracts. An approach that will facilitate technology transfer, enhance self-sufficiency and strengthen the capabilities of our defence industry.
   
   In this context, I am also hopeful that, having set as a goal the threshold of 15% for meaningful participation of Cypriot companies in major defence procurements, we will succeed in further promoting industrial cooperation and integration into European supply chains.
   
3. We have developed, in cooperation with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National Registry of Cypriot Defence Industry Manufacturers, which will shortly enter into force. The Registry will serve as the official reference framework for authorised national manufacturers, enhancing transparency, compliance with standards and trusted participation in national and European defence and dual use industrial programs.
   
4. We have increased funding allocated for the transition from Research and Development to Defence Industry Development.
   
5. Furthermore, to bolster the international presence of the Cypriot Defence Industry, we are funding National Pavilions at major international defence exhibitions annually. I am pleased to announce that this initiative is already in effect, with Cyprus participating with a National Pavilion in Defence Exhibition Athens (DEFEA) 2025 in Athens. I visited back then Athens, for just two hours only, to visit the Cypriot Pavillion. Building on that momentum, we intend to fund at a much larger scale, the national pavilion at EUROSATORY 2026 in Paris, further strengthening outward engagement and export readiness.
   
6. Today, we will also witness the signing of the SOLIS project, a contract for satellite communication, which marks a significant strategic milestone for the Republic of Cyprus as a concrete investment in the future of national and European security.
   

At a time when space has become a critical domain of defence and strategic autonomy, Cyprus is joining the European core of advanced space technologies through its cooperation with Hellas Sat, the French National Space Agency and leading industrial partners. This initiative strengthens Cyprus’ national security, strategic autonomy and geopolitical role within the Eastern Mediterranean, the greater Middle East and the EU.

Together, these measures will transform our industry and establish Cyprus as a hub for advanced defence technologies, while making a meaningful contribution to Europe’s collective security measures. They also strengthen national resilience and create new opportunities for growth across our economy.

In closing, let me thank you once again for your presence and your commitment. We are united by a common purpose: to build a defence industry that is stronger, more innovative, more competitive and more strategically autonomous.

This conference reflects a shared vision and a genuine partnership among all those who recognise the strategic importance of defence for our security, our resilience and our future. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises, the European Commission, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus for their invaluable support and dedication.

Together, we are shaping a stronger future for Cyprus and for Europe.

I wish you a successful and a very productive conference.