The modernization of the AMX-30 main battle tanks is moving forward, Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Friday, adding that decisions regarding the National Guard’s procurement programs are made through specific procedures and not by a single individual. In the absence of an alternative solution for the armored vehicle fleet at this time, the existing tanks must be modernized so that they can continue to meet the needs of the National Guard, he said.
On the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony for the 17th class of SYOP cadets at the National Guard Headquarters in Larnaca, Mr. Palmas was asked to comment on a report in the newspaper “Alithia” referring to an agreement by the Deputy Commander of the National Guard to install thermal cameras on AMX-30 tanks at a cost of €25 million. while the newspaper cites sources claiming the existence of a highly classified report recommending the withdrawal of these specific tanks.
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In his statements, Minister Palmas noted that decisions regarding the National Guard’s procurement programs are not made by a single person. As he explained, there are established procedures, which are defined by the legislation governing the internal operations of the Ministry of Defense.
He noted that for an equipment program to receive funding approval for its upgrade, the involvement of the National Guard General Staff, the Ministry of Defense’s Armaments Directorate, as well as compliance with internal procedures for issuing calls for bids.
At the same time, as he noted, the relevant funds must be approved by the House Defense Committee and released.
Mr. Palmas stated that, as the specific article is worded, it creates the impression that a single person decided on the upgrade.
Regarding the substance of the matter, however, he confirmed that the upgrade of this specific defense procurement program is moving forward.
He acknowledged that the tanks are admittedly old, noting, however, that since there is currently no alternative for the tank force, the National Guard must modernize the tanks it has and adapt them to the new circumstances and realities.
The goal, he said, is for the army and the National Guard to be better able to fulfill their mission.
When asked about the next step, the Minister of Defense stated that through the SAFE program, as well as through the budgets of the National Guard and the Ministry of Defense, the upgrading and modernization of equipment programs is proceeding on a daily basis.
Mr. Palmas also noted that the Republic of Cyprus has never claimed to be a military superpower or a state with significant political influence.
He said, however, that given that Cyprus has been under occupation for 52 years, the country must develop, strengthen, and bolster its deterrent capability, to such an extent that it is worth the effort to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the homeland.
Finally, when asked to comment on reports in the newspaper “Alithia” regarding the existence of a classified report recommending the withdrawal of these tanks, Mr. Palmas stated that he did not know whether it was appropriate to publicly discuss the withdrawal or the suitability—or lack thereof—of a defense procurement program.
He noted, however, that what cannot be disputed is that these tanks are old.
With the modernization program currently underway, he added, they will be upgraded to the point where they can continue to meet the needs of the National Guard until the tank fleet is renewed.
Source: CNA
