The National Guard’s aging fleet of main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers (APCs), currently maintained through the expertise of dedicated army technicians, is at a critical crossroads. To address the long-term sustainability of Cyprus’s land forces, the government is reportedly considering a strategic proposal from Greek defense firm EODH.
At the recent “Battlefield ReDEFiNED 2026” defense exhibition in Nicosia, EODH announced the establishment of its Cypriot subsidiary, EODH Dynamics. The move signals a transition from external supplier to local industrial partner, with the company proposing the creation of a modern manufacturing unit on the island.
Local production and state participation
According to Phileleftheros sources, EODH has officially expressed interest in a comprehensive agreement to modernize the National Guard’s entire fleet of tanks and armored vehicles. A key feature of the proposal includes:
- Equity Participation: A proposal for the Republic of Cyprus to participate in the share capital of EODH Dynamics.
- Domestic Production: The Christodoulides administration has reportedly viewed the plan positively, maintaining a requirement that both the factory and the upgrade works remain exclusively in Cyprus.
- Technology Transfer: Before local operations begin, Cypriot personnel would undergo training in Greece to facilitate the transfer of specialized technical know-how.
Upgrade capabilities and 15-year guarantee
EODH, which operates three factories in Thessaloniki and is planning a fourth for full tank construction, claims it could upgrade 40 to 50 vehicles per year. The company has offered a “package” that includes:
- A 15-year guarantee on all modernized vehicles.
- Independent certification from a foreign body.
- Full-time Follow-on Support (FOS) for the National Guard.
The technical proposal utilizes high-quality Swedish steel and aims to transform the Leonidas APCs into versatile platforms, including infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), mortar carriers (80mm and 120mm), and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) units. The company has also submitted plans for the comprehensive upgrade of AMX-30B2, BMP-3, and T-80 tanks.
A realistic economic alternative
With the cost of new armored fighting vehicles ranging from €10 million to €25 million each, a total replacement of the National Guard’s fleet is deemed fiscally impossible for the Republic. Modernizing existing assets is presented as a more sustainable path toward maintaining credible deterrence.
EODH is already in coordination with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEBE) and the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises (CARIE) to integrate into the local defense ecosystem.