Cyprus to continue upgrading ageing AMX-30 tanks — Cyprus Mail
Cyprus will continue upgrading its ageing AMX-30 main battle tanks, as it currently has no alternative to replace them. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas stated this during a swearing-in ceremony for new contract servicemen at the Larnaca recruitment centre, Cyprus Mail reports.
The minister acknowledged that the vehicles are old but stressed that they must continue meeting the operational needs of the National Guard until the tank fleet is renewed. According to him, the existing tanks need to be adapted to new conditions and requirements, while the upgrade will allow them to remain in service until the fleet is renewed.
Thermal imaging cameras for tanks
Palmas confirmed the implementation of the programme in response to a question about a report by the Alithia newspaper. The publication wrote that €25 million could be spent on installing thermal imaging cameras on AMX-30 tanks, despite the alleged existence of a classified report recommending that these tanks be withdrawn from service.
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The defence minister also denied that the decision to upgrade the equipment could have been made by a single senior National Guard official. He explained that procurement programmes undergo procedures required by law involving the National Guard General Staff, the Defence Ministry's armaments directorate, and internal tender mechanisms. The allocation of funds must also be approved by the House of Representatives' defence committee.
Defence budget
Cyprus has operated French AMX-30 tanks for decades. In 1989, the country purchased 35 AMX-30B2 tanks and an AMX-30D armoured recovery vehicle from France. In 1996–1997, the fleet was supplemented with approximately 50 refurbished AMX-30 tanks transferred from Greek Army stocks. The National Guard also has Soviet-designed T-80 tanks.
Palmas said that the National Guard's modernisation is continuing thanks to the EU's Safe defence financial instrument, as well as the budgets of the National Guard and the Defence Ministry. The state budget submitted to parliament provides €430.15 million for strengthening defence in 2027, compared with €176.8 million allocated for 2026. The Defence Ministry's total budget is expected to increase from €628.04 million to €894.68 million.
