Cyprus negotiates purchase of French armored vehicles under EU programme

Cyprus is in advanced negotiations to acquire approximately 180 French-made armored vehicles, specifically 80 Griffon and 100 Serval units, from KNDS France. The potential deal, reported by La Tribune on March 28, 2026, also includes plans to upgrade 80 VAB armored vehicles currently in the National Guard's fleet through the French company Arquus. Some of the new vehicles may be equipped with MBDA’s Akeron MP anti-tank missiles. The acquisition is intended to be processed through the European Union’s 150-billion-euro SAFE financing mechanism, which offers favorable loan terms for member state defense procurement. Reports indicate that the French Armaments Directorate (DGA) is expected to manage the acquisition, mirroring a government-to-government procurement model. While negotiations are ongoing, no final contract has been signed yet. This move aligns with Cyprus’s established history of utilizing French defense equipment and its recent modernization efforts.