Cyprus National Guard Modernizes: Tamnava MLRS Unveiled for the First Time
The Republic of Cyprus has been increasing its defense budget recently, while replacing the old Soviet type of equipment with the NATO/EU standard modern equipment. In this regard, the most recent step of Cyprus is the procurement of Tamnava Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) developed by Yugoimport SDPR, the government-owned defense company of Serbia. The procurement unveiled during the military parade, which was held in Nicosia, on the occasion of 65th anniversary of the independence of Cyprus.
In the parade footage broadcast by Cyprus state television, three Tamnava MLRS carrying reusable capsules for 122mm unguided rockets on MAN TGS 8X8 truck chassis were seen. However, since the details of the agreement between the Cypriot and Serbians have not been disclosed to the public, it remains a mystery whether the three MLRS in the parade represent the entire contract or just a part of it.
Tamnava is a self-propelled Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) designed in a modular structure that can use 122mm and 262mm caliber ammunition. According to the manufacturer, the vehicle can perform fully autonomous missions thanks to its advanced Fire Control System (FCS), INS navigation, artillery reconnaissance electronic goniometer, automatic system for aligning the launcher to the reference azimuth, meteorological sensor, radio systems for TCP/IP and UDP voice and data transmission, and modern ballistic computer.
The system has a maximum combat weight of 35 tons and a crew of three. In its basic configuration, Tamnava includes two 25-cell 122mm launch modules or two six-cell 267mm rocket launchers. The maximum firing range is 40km for 122mm rockets and 70km for 267mm rockets. The preparation for firing takes 90 seconds, which is equal to the time required to leave the firing position; the launch interval between two rockets varies between 0.8 and 4 seconds. A machine gun is mounted on the roof of the vehicle as a self-defense weapon.
Other systems participating in the parade included Airbus H145M helicopters, NORA B-52 self-propelled howitzers, BUK air defense system, T-80U main battle tank, and numerous armored vehicles. However, other significant systems recently procured by Cyprus, such as the BARAK MX air defense system and 12 Sherpa armored vehicles with Akeron MP missiles, were not displayed in the parade.
After the parade, President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides stated, “Today, we have seen some of the new armament programs recently acquired by the Republic of Cyprus. These efforts will continue, and we will develop the infrastructure of the Republic of Cyprus while strengthening cooperation with strategic partners like the USA, taking advantage of the tools offered by the EU.”
The modernization strategy of the Cyprus National Guard, which could have significant strategic implications for the Eastern Mediterranean, is increasing security concerns in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which controls one-third of the island in the north, and its patron Türkiye, weakening mutual trust at the negotiation table. Time will tell how this process will affect the long-standing friction between the two communities on the island.