NATIONAL GUARD - LEOPARD 1 A5 TANKS TARGETED BY GREECE - TALKS ARE PROGRESSING FOR A FACTORY OF THE GREEK EOGH IN CYPRUS - Filenews 18/4 by Andreas Pogiatzis
The new geopolitical data, the war in the Middle East, as well as the increased pressure on the markets and the international defense equipment industries, create dilemmas for the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff, regarding the acquisition of new high-value weapon systems, such as tanks.
In this light, the discussion between Athens and Nicosia on the concession to the National Guard of Greek LEOPARD 1 A5 tanks which are in service with the Greek Army has begun at the level of the General Staffs and Ministries.
According to information from "F", Athens is willing and intends, in fact, to cede a significant number of tanks of the type to the National Guard. The talks focus on the concession of 75 to 90 LEOPARD 1 A5s, in order to fully or partially complement 3 tank squadrons.
The intention of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff is to fill the operational gaps that arise due to the obsolete tank fleet of the National Guard, while replacing the 126 obsolete EE-9 Cascavel wheeled vehicles, which were received by the National Guard in 1980.
A team from the National Guard is expected to go to Greece in the near future, in order to closely examine the vehicles and their condition in order to make the best possible choice. It is implied that if the echelon is not satisfied with the condition of the tanks, the agreement will not proceed.
The LEOPARD 1 A5 is the most advanced version of the German Leopard 1 tank, with a basic upgrade to its fire control system and electronic systems. It retains the 105mm L7A3 cannon, which can use modern piercing and multi-role ammunition. It has an MTU MB 838 CaM 500 diesel engine with a power of about 830 horsepower, which allows it to develop a speed of up to 65 km/h on the road. In terms of protection, the Leopard 1A5 is based on classic steel armour, which is considered limited compared to modern tanks.
Negotiations for a factory in Cyprus
Nicosia's negotiations with the Greek defense company EODH for the creation of a factory unit on Cypriot soil that will aim to upgrade the entire tank potential of the National Guard have entered a "sensitive" stage. As "F" is informed, this investment is expected to reach €50 million in the first phase.
As we had mentioned in our previous report, the Greek company announced in the Battlefield Redefined Defense and Security report last March, that it has established its subsidiary company EODH Dynamics in Cyprus, with the prospect of creating a modern factory unit in the country.
According to our exclusive information, the intention to grant the LEOPARD 1 A5 tanks seems to be linked to Nicosia's talks with the company. In fact, the basic and necessary condition set by the government of President Christodoulides, in order for the plans of the factory unit to proceed, is to first arrive the LEOPARD 1 A5 tanks, in Cyprus.
The company, among other things, has drawn up a comprehensive upgrade program for the LEOPARD 1 A5 tanks, while it is able to do the same with all armoured vehicles of the National Guard. These are interventions in the armour, engines as well as in the armament and electronic systems of the vehicles. If these operations are carried out, the life limit of vehicles can be extended up to 20 years.
The people of EODH are already in contact with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises (KSEEK), while they have developed partnerships with Cypriot defense companies from previous years.
Regarding its activities in Greece, the company has three factories in Thessaloniki, which are active in the manufacture of armour for Leopard 2AV and A8 tanks, PUMA IFVs as well as BOXER IFRS. According to information we received from the company, a fourth unit will be opened within the next year, which will manufacture tanks entirely. It is worth mentioning that the Greek company is a strategic partner of the German company KNDS Deutschland (formerly KMW) which manufactures these vehicles.
