Cyprus is expediating the acquisition of French-made armoured vehicles for the national guard, with discussions taking place under the European Union’s SAFE programme.
According to French newspaper La Tribune, the government is seeking to purchase around 80 Griffon vehicles and 100 Serval vehicles from France, some potentially fitted with arms manufacturer Akeron’s MP anti-tank missiles.
The defence ministry is also in talks with French company Arquus to upgrade roughly 80 VAB armoured vehicles already in service, while European defence contractor KNDS is seeking to increase the number of Griffon and Serval vehicles on order.
“Cyprus is actively negotiating with Arquus for a very important supply of armoured vehicles, as well as the renovation of part of the VAB fleet,” La Tribune reported.
The Griffon is an armoured personnel carrier, designed to transport infantry and support reconnaissance, command and operational tasks.
It carries a three man crew plus up to eight soldiers, with protection against ballistic threats, mines and improvised explosive devices.
It can be fitted with a remotely operated weapons station carrying either machine guns or grenade launchers.
The Serval is a lighter SUV armoured vehicle, carrying a crew of two and up to six soldiers.
The vehicle is intended for reconnaissance as well as special operations.
The SAFE programme, a 150-billion-euro EU financing mechanism, is designed to facilitate procurement of defence equipment by member states through favourable loans.
The French armaments directorate (DGA) is expected to manage the acquisition on behalf of Cyprus, in a process akin to the American foreign military sales model.
Cyprus has previously acquired French defence equipment, including 12 Sherpa armoured vehicles equipped with Akeron MP missiles in 2024.
Click here to change your cookie preferences