Summary: Cyprus is emerging as a crucial ally to the U.S. in the geopolitically volatile Eastern Mediterranean, marking a significant shift from decades of estrangement. The thaw in relations was underscored by the U.S. lifting an arms embargo on Cyprus in 2022, reciprocated by Cyprus's support to Ukraine. Enhanced diplomatic ties are further strengthened by joint military exercises, notably between U.S. Navy SEALs and Cypriot Underwater Demolition Teams, highlighting a deepening strategic partnership. This cooperation not only showcases a unified front against regional adversities, particularly against the backdrop of Turkish occupation in northern Cyprus, but also bolsters Cyprus's role as a pivotal player in regional security and defense strategy.

After decades of alienation from the U.S., Cyprus is emerging as an important partner in an area of extreme geopolitical interest. 

Over the past couple of years, the Eastern Mediterranean nation has come closer to the U.S. In 2022, Congress lifted an embargo on the sale of weapons to Cyprus, and Nicosia responded by sending old Soviet- and Russian-made weapon systems to Ukraine. Diplomatically, relations between Cyprus and the U.S. have improved greatly, also helped by the authoritative behavior of Turkey, which continues to occupy the northern part of Cyprus. 

A recent exercise with Navy SEALs from both countries highlighted the excellent level of relations between Cyprus and the U.S.

Navy SEALs in Action 

Between January 22 and February 14, U.S. Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) operators worked with Cypriot Navy Underwater Demolition Team (MYK) operators in the maritime area around Cyprus. The event included a variety of training, such as maritime operations, marksmanship, and close-quarter combat.

The Cypriot MYK is a naval special operations unit very similar to the U.S. Navy SEALs. The Cypriot frogmen specialize in special reconnaissance, direct action, and maritime operations, among other mission sets. The unit shares a very close relationship with the Greek Navy SEALs, which has modeled its selection and training on the U.S. SEAL model. 

“Our partnership with the Cypriot Underwater Demolition Team sends a clear message to our adversaries. Together, we stand as a resolute force, ready to respond to any challenge and defend the shared interests of our nations,” Navy Capt. Bill Gallagher, Naval Special Warfare Group TWO Commodore, said in a press release. 

These exercises are very useful on many levels. On the operational level, planners get the opportunity to design, prepare, and execute a deployment of forces that can closely resemble those in actual operations. On the tactical level, special operators get to put their valuable skill sets into action and see how they work. In addition, such joint training events are a great opportunity to exchange ideas tactics, techniques, and procedures. 

“This is not just a collaboration; it’s a crucible of excellence. Through joint endeavors, we fortify our capabilities and make clear that any aggression will be met with a swift, unyielding response,” Gallagher added. 

Cyprus is an important location. The last bastion of Europe, Cyprus, is very close to the Middle East and can serve as a forward operating base for special operations forces in the event of an emergency like the one after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel last October. 

“The interoperability and camaraderie displayed here transcend conventional military cooperation. These face-to-face iterations of training not only bolster our combat capabilities but ensures the U.S. and Cypriot relationship remains steadfast,” the U.S. Navy SEAL on-site commander stated.

Naval Special Warfare Group TWO is the command headquarters for all the vanilla SEAL Teams based on the East Coast (SEAL Teams 2, 4, 8, 10). It supports deployments across the world and prepares its frogmen for full-spectrum operations and integrated deterrence in line with national security objectives. 

About the Author

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.