The South Cyprus is planning to procure Merkava main battle tanks developed by Israel to modernize its main battle tank fleet…
South Cyprus has rejected Greece’s offer of second-hand Leopard 1A5 tanks, citing their inadequate condition.
Under a potential agreement with Israel, South Cyprus plans to procure either Merkava Mk3 or Mk4 main battle tanks.
The Merkava tanks are intended to replace the existing fleet of Russian T-80U main battle tanks and modernize South Cyprus’ main battle tank capabilities.
The Merkava Mk3 weighs approximately 60 tons and is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun, using NATO-standard 120 mm ammunition.
The approximately 65-ton Merkava Mk4 is equipped with a 120 mm main gun, advanced fire control system, thermal imaging systems, and a digital battlefield management infrastructure…