Cyprus Chooses Israeli Merkava Tanks Over Greek Offer Amid Rising Tensions

Cyprus is seeking to purchase Israeli Merkava Mark 3 and Mark 4 tanks to replace its outdated Russian T-80 tanks, according to a report by Channel 12 News. The decision comes amid growing security tensions with Turkey, which recently declared a maritime exclusion zone north of Cyprus to deploy a natural gas pipeline to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This move follows Ankara's efforts to block an electrical connection project between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece.

Despite a competing offer from Greece to supply 75 to 90 used Leopard 1A5 tanks, Cypriot officials rejected it after professional assessments deemed the Leopards unsuitable for their operational needs. Cyprus insists on the Merkava tanks due to their superior capabilities and the similarity of terrain between the two countries. The Israeli government, however, is divided over approving the deal, with some officials preferring to retain the used tanks for the Israel Defense Forces' reserve units and operational requirements in Gaza and southern Lebanon amid multiple active fronts.

This tank acquisition is part of a broader Cypriot plan to strengthen its military, which also includes intentions to purchase EBRC Jaguar armored vehicles. Cyprus may finance the armored vehicle deal through the European Union's SAFE program, which supports defense purchases primarily from EU or Ukrainian companies.