Cyprus in advanced talks to acquire French armored vehicles

The Republic of Cyprus is engaged in advanced negotiations with French firms KNDS and Arquus to acquire over 150 armored vehicles, including Griffon and Serval models. While specific figures vary in reports, one source cites the potential purchase of approximately 80 Griffon and 100 Serval vehicles. The deal is intended to be facilitated by the French General Directorate for Armaments (DGA) under a model similar to Foreign Military Sales. The acquisition is linked to the European Union's SAFE financial program, which provides 150 billion euros to member states for defense procurement on favorable terms. Cyprus plans to potentially integrate Akeron MP anti-tank systems onto the new vehicles. Furthermore, discussions include the modernization of approximately 80 VAB armored vehicles from the National Guard's existing fleet of 150. These efforts represent a continuation of Cyprus's recent strategy to enhance its defense capabilities through French cooperation.