Arquus to supply Cyprus with SHERPA vehicles equipped with AKERON missile launchers

The contract, part of a strategic partnership between France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and the Cypriot Ministry of Defence, aims to enhance Cyprus’ military capabilities. According to Arquus, the vehicles will be specifically adapted for the integration of the AKERON missile system, which the company will also install.

During DEFEA, the Cypriot delegation, led by Anna Aristotelous, the new Permanent Secretary of Cyprus’ Ministry of Defence, and Panayiotis Symeou, National Director of Armament, visited the Arquus stand. The presentation showcased the SHERPA SW equipped with both the AKERON missile and Hornet RCWS, highlighting the advanced capabilities of the vehicle.

The partnership between Cyprus and Arquus was initiated following a high-level meeting between the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Níkos Christodoulídis, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Arquus views this contract as an initial step towards a long-term collaboration, reinforcing Cyprus’ defence industrial capabilities.

Arquus expressed satisfaction with the agreement, noting that it “embodies the company’s desire to expand in the region and become a long-term partner.” The company also highlighted the industrial partnership with MBDA, which has been instrumental in developing the SHERPA-AKERON system to meet Cyprus’ specific defence needs.

As part of this collaboration, Arquus and MBDA conducted AKERON missile test firings in Cyprus in September 2022. The trials demonstrated successful target engagement at distances between 2,500 and 3,000 metres, both autonomously and collaboratively, proving the missile’s integration with the SHERPA platform.

The contract also aligns with a broader initiative to modernise the Cypriot National Guard’s fleet of 4×4 and 6×6 VAB vehicles. According to Arquus, the modernisation programme will involve local defence industry companies, following the guidelines of President Níkos Christodoulídis to enhance local industrial involvement.

Arquus, already a key supplier to Greece, has previously delivered 240 Light Armored Vehicles (VBL) to the Hellenic Army. The vehicles are set to be upgraded at Greek Army maintenance facilities, integrating Greek-made electronic subsystems to meet a localisation rate of 25%, in line with the Greek defence policy outlined by Defence Minister Nikos Dendias.