Defense

Cyprus Presses Israel to Approve Merkava Tank Purchase

Published

Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of a sand-colored Merkava tank viewed from the front-left on a dusty training ground under a clear blue sky.

Cyprus is pressing Israel to approve the purchase of Merkava Mark 3 or Mark 4 tanks as it seeks to replace its aging Russian-built T-80 fleet. Israeli officials are divided over a sale, with some supporting the prospective deal and others arguing the tanks should remain available for IDF use. Cyprus considers the Merkava suited to its terrain and sees the countries' proximity as simplifying logistics. Earlier talks over secondhand Merkavas stalled after October 7, 2023; Cyprus rejected Greece's Leopard 1A5 as unsuitable and is also considering France's EBRC Jaguar.

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