Cyprus is on the verge of a major transformation in its military capabilities, as the government considers a strategic upgrade of its National Guard’s aging armored vehicles through a partnership with EODH Dynamics, a Greek defense company. The plan involves establishing a local manufacturing facility on the island, which would modernize tanks and armored personnel carriers (APCs) while ensuring long-term sustainability for the country’s land forces.

Local Production and State Participation

At the recent “Battlefield ReDEFiNED 2026” defense exhibition in Nicosia, EODH announced the creation of its Cypriot subsidiary, EODH Dynamics. The move signals a shift from external supplier to local industrial partner, with the company proposing the establishment of a modern manufacturing unit in Cyprus.

According to Phileleftheros sources, EODH has officially expressed interest in a thorough agreement to modernize the National Guard’s entire fleet of tanks and armored vehicles. A key feature of the proposal includes equity participation, with the Republic of Cyprus expected to take part in the share capital of EODH Dynamics. The Christodoulides administration has reportedly viewed the plan positively, maintaining a requirement that both the factory and the upgrade works remain exclusively in Cyprus.

Before local operations begin, Cypriot personnel would undergo training in Greece to facilitate the transfer of specialized technical know-how. This approach aims to ensure that the island’s military can maintain and upgrade its armored fleet independently in the future.

Upgrade Capabilities and 15-Year Guarantee

EODH, which operates three factories in Thessaloniki and is planning a fourth for full tank construction, claims it could upgrade 40 to 50 vehicles per year. The company has offered a “package” that includes a 15-year guarantee on all modernized vehicles, independent certification from a foreign body, and full-time Follow-on Support (FOS) for the National Guard.

The technical proposal uses high-quality Swedish steel and aims to transform the Leonidas APCs into flexible platforms, including infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), mortar carriers (80mm and 120mm), and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) units. EODH has also submitted plans for the thorough upgrade of AMX-30B2, BMP-3, and T-80 tanks.

According to EODH, the upgrade process would not only enhance the operational capabilities of the National Guard but also provide a cost-effective alternative to purchasing entirely new vehicles, which can cost between €10 million and €25 million each.

A Realistic Economic Alternative

Modernizing existing assets is presented as a more sustainable path toward maintaining credible deterrence, given the financial constraints of the Republic of Cyprus. A total replacement of the National Guard’s fleet is deemed fiscally impossible, making the proposed upgrade a realistic economic alternative.

EODH is already in coordination with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEBE) and the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises (CARIE) to integrate into the local defense ecosystem. This collaboration aims to strengthen Cyprus’s industrial base and create new employment opportunities in the defense sector.

The proposal also aligns with the broader strategy of the Cypriot government to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and build a self-sufficient defense industry. This shift could have long-term implications for the country’s national security and economic development.

According to a statement from EODH, the company is committed to working closely with the Cyprus government to ensure the successful implementation of the project. The timeline for the establishment of the factory and the commencement of upgrades is expected to be finalized in the coming months.