Israel’s Barak MX radar in Cyprus puts Türkiye in its sights

Israel delivered advanced air defense systems known as Barak MX to the Greek Cypriot administration last week. Sources familiar with the matter told Ragip Soylu of Middle East Eye that this was the third shipment to Southern Cyprus since December, amid escalating tensions with Türkiye.

In a video released on Thursday, a truck carrying parts of the Barak MX system was seen passing through the Port of Limassol. This air defense system, capable of neutralizing threats up to a range of 150 kilometers, is manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The Reporter website reported that the delivery of the Barak MX has been completed and it is expected to become operational within this year.

The delivery follows an article written in July by Shay Gal, a former vice president of IAI. Gal argued that Israel should reconsider its approach to Cyprus and called for making military plans in coordination with Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration to “liberate” the northern part of the island from “Turkish forces”:

“Such an operation would neutralize Türkiye’s reinforcement forces from the mainland, eliminate air defense systems in Northern Cyprus, destroy intelligence and command centers, and ultimately restore the internationally recognized sovereignty of Cyprus by eliminating Turkish forces.”

Türkiye intervened in Cyprus in 1974 following a coup aimed at annexing the island to Greece.

There has been no official statement from Ankara regarding the newly deployed systems. However, with its 3D radars providing advanced surveillance and intelligence capabilities, the Barak MX creates an “air defense shield” with a range of up to 460 kilometers, covering a significant portion of Türkiye’s southern airspace.

In 1997, the Greek Cypriot administration’s attempt to purchase Russian-made S-300 air defense missiles led to a harsh reaction from Ankara, bringing the two sides to the brink of war. The crisis ended with the deployment of the S-300s in Greece.

Turkish defense analyst Arda Mevlütoğlu said of the Barak MX, “This system is much more dangerous than the S-300s ordered in 1997 but never used.” Mevlütoğlu emphasized that given the state of military relations between Israel and Southern Cyprus, this powerful air defense system and its radar will become a central element of Israel’s intelligence network in the Eastern Mediterranean.

According to Mevlütoğlu, thanks to its radar capabilities, the Barak MX can detect not only aerial targets but also howitzer, mortar, and rocket fire up to 100 kilometers away. This means the system poses a serious threat to both Turkish air and land assets in Cyprus and throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.

CHP Deputy Chairman and retired Rear Admiral Yankı Bağcıoğlu described the deployment of the system as a “violation of international law.” Bağcıoğlu stated, “This step will disrupt the fragile balance in the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus and will directly threaten Türkiye’s national security.”

Southern Cyprus’s Minister of Defense, Vasilis Palmas, stated on Tuesday that Türkiye continues to occupy the island, asserting that his government has an obligation to develop deterrent capabilities. When asked if the Barak MX was part of a defense agreement with Israel, Palmas responded, “Our decisions regarding armament are entirely within the scope of our sovereignty.”

Palmas added, “Any conflict between Israel and Türkiye does not concern us. Our primary duty is to protect ourselves.”

Turkish security sources, however, indicated that the systems are still in the testing phase at the Paphos Air Base and have not yet been put into active service. The sources added that subsequent Israeli shipments are being closely monitored.