Apostolos Tomaras
The spokesperson for the Turkish Ministry of Defense stated during the weekly press briefing that Ankara is "closely monitoring" the process of renewing weapon systems. The Turkish official specifically referred to a report by Kathimerini (K), which indicated that France is ready to sell battle tanks to Cyprus and replace the outdated Mistral systems used for training purposes. The Turkish Ministry of Defense expressed concern over the procurement of French defense equipment and emphasized that it is "closely monitoring" the decisions that will be made. Ankara believes that the potential acquisition of French Leclerc battle tanks and the renewal of the Mistral systems could alter the military balance in Cyprus and, by extension, pose a threat to the Turkish-controlled part of the island.
According to K’s report, following the contract for the attack helicopters now in service with the National Guard, the French seem to have entered the competition to renew the Russian T80-U tank fleet, with strong competition from the German Leopard tanks, which have notable supporters within the General Staff of the National Guard (GEETHA). The French appear to be offering the Leclerc Main Battle Tank (MBT), a 55-ton tracked vehicle manufactured by Nexter Systems, a French state-owned weapons company (formerly known as Giat Industries). The available information does not clarify whether the French interest involves new or used tanks. Some unconfirmed reports suggest the purchase of French tanks from a batch previously sold to the United Arab Emirates.
In their efforts, the French are using the enhancement of the National Guard’s arsenal with other French-made systems as a bargaining chip to gain an advantage over the Germans. According to well-informed sources of *K*, this move aligns with the French government’s official request to Cyprus for the first batch of the Mistral anti-aircraft system, which has completed its operational life and been replaced by a newer model.
