A military ceremony was held in Nicosia on the occasion of the TRNC Peace and Freedom Day. Military vehicles belonging to the Turkish Armed Forces also attended the parade to salute the protocol.

FNSS’s PARS type 4X4 Armoured Anti-Tank Vehicles are developed within the scope of the Weapons Carrier Vehicles (STA) Project of the Presidency of Defence Industries. The vehicles took part in a military parade for the first time, and it learned that they had been deployed to the TRNC.

FNSS manufactures the lightest member of the KAPLAN vehicle family, the tracked type vehicle, and the PARS 4×4 vehicle as a wheeled type anti-tank vehicle within the scope of the STA project.

The Anti-Tank Vehicles are equipped with the OMTAS Anti-Tank Missile developed by Roketsan, and the Russian-made KORNET-E Missile previously supplied.

Within the Weapons Carrier Vehicles Project scope, 208 of the tracked type and 136 of the wheeled type will be procured.

The PARS 4X4 has been designed to undertake special operational roles such as advanced surveillance, anti-tank and command and control.

The PARS 4X4 has a 25 hp/ton power-to-weight ratio, a low silhouette, and amphibious capabilities. The vehicle is operated with four crew. It can traverse in deep and fast flowing water without any preliminary preparation. Two propellers located at the rear provide the vehicle’s enhanced manoeuvrability in the water.

The PARS 4X4 can operate on any rough terrain with a low centre of gravity, fully independent suspension system, ABS-assisted hydraulic disc brakes, low ground pressure and increased angles of approach and departure. The PARS 4X4 can climb vertical slopes of 70% and hold on horizontal slopes of 40%. It can also pass over 40 cm vertical obstacles with ease. Thanks to the hydraulic recovery winch located at the front of the vehicle, it can provide self-recovery when required.

Its central tire inflation system enhances the mobility of the PARS 4X4, and it also has a run-flat capability thanks to its in-tire solid disc system. The PARS 4X4 has a maximum speed of 110 km/h on asphalt, a range of 700 km, and automatic transmission with an axle lock for use on slippery surfaces and soft soil.

The driver’s cabin features transparent ballistic armour, which offers a  wide field of view for both the driver and the crew. The PARS 4X4 also provides the driver and the commander with integrated night and day vision cameras that enable operations in night drives with or without using blackout lights. The command and warning panels and the height-adjustable mine-protected seats have been specifically developed for the commander, driver, gunner and dismounts.

The vehicle is made of a ballistic hull, which protects mines and improvised explosives (IED).

The PARS 4X4 can be transported using any military transport aircraft, including the CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

The internationally recognised Greek Cypriot government has the Greek National Guard, a combined arms force representing the organised air, land, and sea capabilities of Greek Cyprus. According to open sources, the National Guard has Russian T-80 tanks and French AMX-30B2 tanks.

Greece maintains the Hellenic Forces Regiment on Cyprus (ELDYK) on the island, but this is not part of the Republic of Cyprus military. Hellenic Army has M48 (Type: M48A5) stationed in Cyprus) According to open sources, the Hellenic Army has Leopard 2A6 HEL, Leopard 2A4/GR, Leopard 1A4/5 and M48A5 MOLF. The United States has lifted the arms embargo to Cyprus as well.