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France Positions to Equip Cyprus with Leclerc Tanks and Mistral Missiles in Response to Turkish Ambitions.
In the context of strengthening the military arsenal of the Republic of Cyprus in response to Turkish ambitions, France is working to maintain a significant influence within the Cypriot National Guard, as reported by the Cypriot daily Kathimerini on October 13, 2024. Competing directly with Germany, Paris is promoting several advanced weapon systems for Cyprus, including Leclerc tanks and Mistral missiles. Now reaching the end of its operational cycle within the Cypriot forces, the latter system could be removed from the island's arsenal and redirected to Ukraine, thereby allowing partial renewal with more modern French equipment.
France is also urging Cyprus to consider acquiring Leclerc tanks, competing directly with Germany’s military industry for a potential €250 million contract (Picture source: French MoD)
Among the French equipment already supplied to Cyprus are attack helicopters, marking an initial step in military cooperation between the two nations. France now also targets the market for Cypriot battle tanks, aiming to replace the T-80U of Russian origin. This market is particularly competitive, with Germany offering its Leopard tanks. To reinforce its position, France has extended a broader offer that includes additional military systems.
A key element of the negotiation revolves around Mistral missiles, acquired forty years ago and primarily used for training. Paris has proposed reclaiming these now-obsolete missiles to reallocate them to Ukraine, where they could see a second operational life. Currently, the National Guard possesses between 150 and 170 of these short-range anti-aircraft systems, which have reached the end of their operational life. In exchange, France would offer Cyprus financial benefits, such as discounts on new Mistral missiles or other French-made equipment. Although this offer appears attractive, Cypriot officials have expressed their intention to negotiate better terms, particularly in terms of compensation, before making a final decision.
Beyond the Mistral systems, France is also urging Cyprus to consider acquiring Leclerc tanks, competing directly with Germany’s military industry for a potential €250 million contract. The exact nature of the proposed Leclerc tanks, whether new or used, remains unclear, but France may consider providing second-hand units from a lot previously sold to the United Arab Emirates. Drawing on its past support during the U.S. arms embargo on Cyprus, when France was one of the few countries supplying modern weapons, Paris hopes to leverage this privileged relationship to secure a position in this market.
France and Cyprus have a longstanding military cooperation, with several French systems holding an important place within the National Guard's arsenal. Over the past decade, Cyprus has invested approximately €310 million in French military equipment. Recent acquisitions include upgraded Mistral and Exocet systems, along with anti-tank missiles and French armored vehicles.
The range of French systems, including attack helicopters, rocket systems, tanks, and self-propelled guns, underscores France's commitment to securing long-term defense contracts with Nicosia. The competition to renew Cypriot military equipment is intensifying as Germany, with its Leopard tanks, competes with Paris for strategic contracts. However, France relies on its historic support during the U.S. embargo, hoping to persuade Nicosia to choose French equipment for its next acquisitions.
These proposals, submitted before last summer, have not yet received a formal response. However, they could enable Cyprus to continue modernizing its forces in response to Turkey's growing ambitions in the region, marked by frequent military exercises and regular reinforcement of Turkish forces on the island. Beyond simply providing armaments, France views this military cooperation as an opportunity to affirm its influence in the Eastern Mediterranean, where strategic interests are increasingly contested.