Greek Cyprus Acquires Advanced Barak MX Air Defense System from Israel
Greek Cyprus has acquired the advanced Barak MX air defense system from Israel, sparking concern in Ankara and potentially escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. The system, capable of countering various aerial threats, is set to be installed at Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos.
The Barak MX, with a range of 150 kilometers and radar coverage extending 470 kilometers, can protect energy routes but also raises the risk of confrontation. Ankara has condemned the move, describing it as 'an unacceptable threat' and reaffirming its protection of Turkish Cypriots.
The acquisition underscores the growing alliance between Israel and Greek Cyprus. Lefkosa is now a forward-operating base for Israeli intelligence. However, the deployment has not yet drawn a direct reaction from Turkey, though analysts warn of potential escalation involving military alliances and tensions.
The Cyprus issue, a long-standing contentious problem, has seen decades of negotiations and summits fail to yield progress. A proposed corridor linking Athienou and Aglandjia was blocked due to disagreements regarding the buffer zone.
Greek Cyprus' purchase of the Barak MX system, aimed at strengthening its deterrent force against Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot community, has raised concerns in Ankara. While no direct reaction from Turkey has been reported, the move could further complicate the Cyprus issue and regional dynamics.
