The issue also is commonality as someone mentioned. Already there are 3 types of MBTs in Cypriot service and the L1A5 would be the 4th.
Can Cyprus afford to operate so many platforms? 2 I understand as security of spares etc would be better maintained in event of hostilities with 2 suppliers to deal with.
So if the Leo option is taken, will this mean the retirement of the AMX-30? They could buy enough to replace them on a 2:1 basis and still come in at a very cheap price.
This depends however on what kinds of overhauls/upgrades the Leos need and what conditions they are in. No sense in paying only 200,000 per unit if you're gonna need to spend 2-3x that to bring them up to snuff (unless you're adding a new capability to the tank or another serious upgrade).
The matter of condition of the Leo-1 is something to take under serous consideration. But as you said we can replace the AMX-30 with them and have only two types of tanks on the island. If Cyprus buys Leo-1 we can bring additional Leo-1 from Greece and Replace M-48A5Molf.
Why replace the AMX-30? I have a relative who's in the Cypriot NG as an AMX-30 driver and he says that with all the upgrades now it's a completely new tank.
And about the T-80U, mind that firing missiles has a disadvantage.
When then GS, the Leo option is out, as 3 different MBTs is a logistical nightmare for such a small nation. 2 is neccasary, 3 is both expensive to maintain and not very efficient.
Three types, but two of them, the AMX-30 (basic) and the AMX-30B2 have much commonality between them.
some pics from the final phase of the Nikiforos2006 exercise..Τελική Φάση ΤΑΜΣ "ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡΟΣ 2006"
Copyright GEEF/DEPLI 2006
Which of them?Originally Posted by Icarus_222
No decision reached yet.
More pictures from "Nikiforos 2006" Exercise of Cypriot National Guard
(All pictures scaned from "Elliniki Amina kai Asfaleia" magazine)
Nice pics, thanks! Interesting mix of equipment.
Their logistics for all those different types must be a nightmare. If I was the supply guy, I would break out in hives from stress. Pardon my ignorance, but why are they so heavily armed? How can they possibly afford it all? Have the Turks threaten to annex the remainder of the island or vice-versa?
They allready occupied 37% of the island. What more do the Cypriots need to got armed to the teeth? More threats?
Actually, the Turkish side wanted to return their part of the island peacefully by saying "yes" to UN plan in 2004, but Greek side said "no".
I guess they want to do it by force and their investment in the military kind of proves this.
Just my opinion as an outside observer.
Hm, Turkey has more than 40,000 troops in occupied Cyprus and has brought over 150,000 illegal settlers. Turkey is less than 40km from the coasts of Cyprus and has the 2nd largest military in NATO. Turkey has threaten to use force many many times against Cyprus.
Greeks said no to a plan tha made Cyprus a puppet state by limiting human and political rights and democracy.....
My opinion as an insider.
Help me out, why is there 3 camo patterns used in one picture (unit)?
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