Cyprus plans to enhance National Guard with French EBRC Jaguar vehicles and Israeli Merkava tanks
Nicosia is leveraging the EU’s SAFE regulation financial tools to strengthen the National Guard’s deterrent capability, focusing on acquiring advanced armoured vehicles. Contracts are advancing for smaller equipment like unmanned aircraft, while larger acquisitions, such as armoured vehicles, are slated to begin from 2028 due to global demand pressures.
Central to the plan is the EBRC Jaguar, a modern 6×6 armoured combat vehicle from France designed for diverse combat roles, featuring a 40mm cannon, anti-tank missile launcher, and adaptable firepower. Cyprus intends to add these vehicles as a supplementary capability rather than replace its current fleet. Additionally, the National Guard is exploring French wheeled APCs and upgrades to existing armored personnel carriers.
Cyprus also aims to modernize its main battle tank inventory by acquiring Israel’s Merkava tanks to replace aging Russian T-80s, with negotiations ongoing amid differing views within the Israeli government. The geographical and terrain similarities between Cyprus and Israel, along with logistical advantages, favor this acquisition, which will be funded through the national defence budget.
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