Cyprus Buys Russian Tanks; Missiles May Follow / Greek-Cypriots To Buy Russian Tanks, Considering Missile Purchases

Cyprus Buys Russian Tanks; Missiles May Follow / Greek-Cypriots To Buy Russian Tanks, Considering Missile Purchases (NSI News Source Info) NICOSIA, Cyprus - January12, 2009: The House Defense Committee of the Greek-Cypriot government has approved funds for the purchase of 41 Russian-built T-90 tanks. The money is included as part of the 2009 defense budget.

The T-90 is a Russian main battle tank (MBT) derived from the T-72, and is currently the most modern tank in service with the Russian Ground Forces and Naval Infantry, and the Indian Army. The successor to T-72BM, the T-90 uses the gun and 1G46 gunner sights from the T-80U, a new engine, and thermal sights. Protective measures include Kontakt-5 ERA, laser warning receivers, the EMT-7 electromagnetic pulse creator for the destruction of magnetic mines and the Shtora infrared ATGM jamming system. It is designed and built by Uralvagonzavod, in Nizhny Tagil, Russia.

Cyprus already operates the Russian-made T-80 tank. The Russian tanks were selected over a rival bid from France. The cost of this deal is EUR115 million.

Currently, the Greek-Cypriot National Guard operates aging AMX30B2 tanks purchased from France and EE-9 Cascavel armored personnel carriers (APCs) acquired from Brazil.

The Greek-Cypriot Defense Ministry is also calling for the purchase of TOR M2 (SA-15 Gauntlet) mobile air defense missile systems and KORNET (AT-14) anti-armor missiles.