Cyprus increases professional soldier count and modernizes tanks

Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas has announced an increase in the number of professional soldiers within the National Guard, raising the figure from 250 to 400. During a ceremony in Larnaca, Palmas also detailed several personnel changes, including raising the mandatory retirement age from 42 to 57 and increasing salary scales and monthly allowances for professional soldiers and special units.

Additionally, the Defense Minister confirmed the ongoing modernization of the National Guard’s aging AMX-30B2 tanks. Palmas stated that while the tanks are old, modernization is essential to meet operational needs as no alternative solution currently exists. The modernization program reportedly includes the installation of thermal cameras.

Some reports have noted that while a confidential report previously suggested the withdrawal of these tanks, a 25 million euro budget has been utilized to proceed with their technical upgrades. Specific details regarding the total number of tanks to be modernized and the expected duration of their continued service have not been disclosed.