Arquus has confirmed a deal to supply Sherpa station wagon vehicles equipped with Akeron missile launchers for the Cypriot National Guard.
The project, revealed in Athens, covers 12 of the French-made vehicles, each fitted with weapon systems capable of firing MBDA’s proprietary warhead.
The announcement follows a September 2022 trial in Cyprus which evaluated the firepower of an Akeron-armed Sherpa against targets at 2,500 to 3,000 meters (8,202 to 9,843 feet) in both autonomous and collaborative configurations.
Bolstering Partnerships in Mediterranean
The effort will be conducted as part of Nicosia and Paris’ joint commitment to sustain long-term collaboration and enhance the Mediterranean governments’ local defense industry.
Arquus noted that the Cypriot Ministry of Defence also showed intent to expand partnership with the Versailles-based company, specifically to modernize the country’s 4×4 and 6×6 VAB armored personnel carriers.
The company has already engaged with other partners in the region, including Cyprus’ neighbor Greece, which received 240 light armored vehicles.
“Arquus is delighted with this initial collaboration with Nicosia, which embodies the company’s desire to expand in the region and become a long-term partner,” Arquus said in its press release.
“This contract also highlights the industrial partnership between Arquus and MBDA, who have collaborated to deliver a product tailored to Cyprus’ specific needs.”
The Sherpa Vehicle
Arquus’ Sherpa light armored system weighs 11 tons (9,979 kilograms) and measures up to 6 meters (20 feet), depending on its configuration.
It can carry up to 10 personnel, and is protected by EU and NATO-standard anti-ballistic sheets, 12.7-millimeter machine guns, or a 40-millimeter grenade launcher.
The platform is powered by a Euro 3 or 5 engine with 215 horsepower for a range of 900 kilometers (559 miles) and a top speed of 120 kilometers (75 miles) per hour.
In addition to the station wagon configuration, the Sherpa is offered in scout, weapons carrier, assault ladder, and police variants.
