Cyprus has signed a deal purchasing helicopters for its national guard, Defence Minister Michalis Giorgallas said on Monday.

Speaking to the state broadcaster, Giorgallas said the defence helicopters would be in Cyprus soon – without specifying when or from where.

“Cyprus is duty-bound to maintain a high level of defence abilities.”

Commenting on the Russian weapons systems that Cyprus has, Giorgallas said they were all in full operational capability, but due to the current situation, both maintenance and access to spare parts are impossible.

Earlier in the day, Philenews reported that the defence ministry was looking to Israel for new tanks. Specifically, it said the government was eyeing the Merkava, which are battle tanks used by Israel’s Defence Forces (IDF).

Asked to comment on the reports, a defence ministry spokesperson said they could not divulge more details at present due to national security reasons.