Cyprus Seeks Israeli Merkava Tanks Over German Leopard Models
Cyprus aims to purchase Israeli Merkava tanks to replace its aging T-80 fleet amid rising tensions with Turkey. The potential deal remains subject to the IDF's own operational requirements.
Cyprus has declined a Greek offer to supply 75–90 Leopard 1A5 tanks, as Nicosia pursues a deal with Israel for the purchase of Merkava Mark 3 and Mark 4 tanks. These vehicles are intended to replace the outdated Russian-made T-80 fleet, according to reports in Cypriot and Greek media.
Nicosia remains wary of Turkey, which, in addition to its 50-year occupation of the island's north, has intensified its aggressive rhetoric. Ankara recently declared a NAXTEX (closed maritime zone) north of Cyprus, following plans to lay a natural gas pipeline to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This move follows previous Turkish efforts to block an electrical interconnector project linking Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.
Despite the urgent need to bolster ground forces, reports from the "Philenews" website indicate that Cypriot officials rejected the German tanks currently held by Greece. Senior officials who inspected the vehicles concluded they do not meet operational requirements, even as an interim solution. This leaves Cyprus in a difficult position, as the T-80 tanks are so obsolete that sourcing spare parts and ammunition has become nearly impossible.
According to reports, the primary obstacle to a Merkava deal is the operational demand of the IDF, which relies heavily on Mark 3 and Mark 4 models in the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon. Nicosia’s interest in Israeli armor is driven by their proven combat record and the deep security ties between the two nations, which already include the deployment of the Barak MX air defense system manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries.
Disagreement in Israel
"Philenews" reported that the Israeli government is divided over the potential supply of Merkava tanks. While some officials advocate for the deal, others argue that Israel must prioritize its own IDF reserves. Nicosia maintains that the Merkava is the ideal platform, citing the similarity between the island's terrain and that of Israel.
Ultimately, the tanks are just one component of Cyprus's broader military modernization. Nicosia is also interested in acquiring EBRC Jaguar armored vehicles. Unlike the Merkava, such a purchase could be supported by the European Union’s SAFE program, which provides funding for defense deals provided that 65% of the value is sourced from EU member states or Ukraine.
