Sectors such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber defence and space technologies redefine the design and implementation of the defence capabilities of the National Guard and we must therefore safeguard the resilience of the technological supply chain in critical sectors, Defence Minister, Vasilis Palmas, has said.
Addressing on Tuesday in Nicosia a Defence Research and Innovation Conference, the Minister said that Cyprus’ active participation in the European defence innovation ecosystem is a strategic choice, which enhances both the interoperability and the technological upgrading of the Cypriot ecosystem.
He went on to say that the strategic objective is the gradual and substantial integration of the Cypriot defence industry into the European and international defence industry, as a reliable partner in complex, high-quality technological products.
Palmas referred to the two pillars of the policy in the field of Research and Innovation, namely the strengthening of collaborations at the national level, with the main financial tool being the state budget, and the strengthening of participation in European programs, with the aim of utilizing financial mechanisms, such as the European Defense Fund, and maximizing the presence of Cypriot entities in international cooperation schemes, with co-financing from the Ministry.
He referred to projects such as “THISEAS” and “DRON-eye”, of the “ATHENS-2019” action, with a total funding of 900 thousand euros, as well as the participation of Cypriot entities in European programs, with the support and co-financing of the Ministry.
He also recalled that six more national Research and Innovation Projects have been successfully completed, in dual-use technologies, with funding from the Ministry, totaling 3 million euros, in collaboration with the Research and Innovation Foundation, as well as projects related to the upgrading of research infrastructure, substantially strengthening the interconnection between university research, entrepreneurship and defense applications.
The Minister also said in his address that the formulation of a comprehensive plan for the Development of the Defense Industry is underway, a process, in collaboration with the French Consulting company Expertise France.
He moreover referred to the completion of the Registry of Cypriot Defence Technology Entities, the implementation of the SAFE Programme (1.2 billion euros), as well as the implementation of new National Research and Development Programmes and the participation in new European Defence Innovation and Defence Industry programmes.
Palmas noted that there is a clear strategic choice to systematically invest in the future, because, the security of tomorrow is based on the decisions and choices taken today.
