Cypriot Defense Minister addresses AMX-30 tank modernization process

Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas addressed concerns regarding the National Guard’s armament programs on September 25, 2026, following media reports about the potential upgrade of AMX-30 battle tanks. Speaking at the Larnaca training center, the Minister dismissed claims that a single individual could make unilateral decisions regarding military procurement.

The clarification follows a report by the newspaper 'Alithia', which alleged that the Deputy Chief of the National Guard had reached an agreement to install thermal cameras on AMX-30 tanks at a cost of 25 million euros. The publication further cited a classified report suggesting that the AMX-30 fleet should be decommissioned rather than upgraded. Minister Palmas explained that any defense acquisition requires a rigorous multi-stage process involving the National Guard General Staff, the Ministry’s Armaments Directorate, and the parliamentary Defense Committee for funding approval and public tendering.

The Minister emphasized that all armament projects are subject to strict internal institutional oversight to ensure transparency and proper budgetary control. No specific timeline for a final decision on the tanks was provided, as the administration maintains that standard procedural protocols remain the only path for project execution.