Cyprus has requested to purchase Israeli Merkava tanks, models Mark 3 and Mark 4, to replace its outdated Russian T-80 tank fleet, according to a report by Israel's Channel 12 News. The request has sparked debate within the Israeli government, with some officials preferring to retain the used equipment for the Israel Defense Forces' reserve units and operational needs in Gaza and southern Lebanon, given the country's simultaneous multi-front war.
The Cypriot interest in Israeli armor stems from escalating security tensions with Turkey. Ankara recently declared a closed maritime zone north of the island for deploying a natural gas pipeline to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This follows Turkish efforts to block an electricity interconnection project linking Israel, Cyprus, and Greece.
As part of its ground forces modernization efforts, Nicosia rejected a Greek offer to receive between 75 and 90 older Leopard 1A5 tanks. Military experts determined these vehicles did not meet operational requirements. Instead, Cyprus insists on the Merkava model due to its superior operational capabilities and the similarity in terrain between the two countries.
This procurement is part of a broader Cypriot plan to strengthen its military, which also includes intentions to acquire EBRC Jaguar armored vehicles. For the armored vehicles, Nicosia can utilize funding from the European Union's SAFE program, designated for security transactions primarily purchased from EU companies or Ukraine.
