I am very pleased to address you today, at the opening of the 3rd International Defence and Security Conference, \u201cBattlefield Redefined 2026\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year\u2019s conference takes place under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, placing our country at the heart of Europe\u2019s 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\u2019s security and autonomy \u2013 grounded in industrial capacity, innovation and credible partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We live in turbulent times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s vital role in enhancing our deterrence capabilities and fortifying our country\u2019s 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\u2019s resilience, while remaining Innovative, Competitive and Connected to trusted partners. Investing in this sector is not only a responsibility. It is a strategic necessity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I really believe in the Cyprus Defence Industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I believe in its prospects and I believe in its potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u20ac600 mn euros dedicated to the development of next-generation European defence systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through these projects, Cypriot companies have attracted approximately \u20ac48 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\u2019s defence supply chain. Cyprus is gradually evolving from a participant to a meaningful contributor to Europe\u2019s defence and dual-use technological ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These numbers and achievements speak for themselves and behind them stand visionary founders and entrepreneurs, dedicated engineers, researchers, scientists and technicians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019 potential have built an industry from the ground up, often against the odds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s contribution to our country\u2019s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) can reach double digits in the years ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let me reiterate: I really believe in the Cyprus Defence Industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019 national security, strategic autonomy and geopolitical role within the Eastern Mediterranean, the greater Middle East and the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Together, these measures will transform our industry and establish Cyprus as a hub for advanced defence technologies, while making a meaningful contribution to Europe\u2019s collective security measures. They also strengthen national resilience and create new opportunities for growth across our economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Together, we are shaping a stronger future for Cyprus and for Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I wish you a successful and a very productive conference.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I am very pleased to address you today, at the opening of the 3rd International Defence and Security Conference, \u201cBattlefield Redefined 2026\u201d. 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15686,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-greek-defence-news"],"yoast_head":"\n