Cyprus Showcases Serbian-Built Tamnava Rocket System for the First Time
Cyprus’ National Guard has unveiled the Serbian-made Tamnava multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) during a military parade in Nicosia. Developed by Yugoimport.
Cyprus Showcases Serbian-Built Tamnava Rocket System for the First Time
NICOSIA — Cyprus’ National Guard has officially unveiled its newly acquired Tamnava multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), marking the first public appearance of the Serbian-made long-range artillery platform during a recent military parade in Nicosia.
Developed by Yugoimport SDPR, Serbia’s state-owned defense company, the Tamnava represents a new generation of self-propelled, modular MLRS designed for flexibility, automation, and survivability on the modern battlefield.
The platform’s dual-caliber capability allows it to fire both 122mm Grad and 262mm rockets, giving commanders the ability to tailor firepower to mission requirements.
“Its modularity is demonstrated by the ability to use launch pod containers armed with 262mm rockets and all variants of the 122mm rocket,” Yugoimport said in a statement.
Advanced Fire Control and Automation
The Tamnava MLRS integrates a fully automated fire control system (FCS) equipped with inertial navigation (INS), automatic line-of-sight alignment, electronic goniometer, meteorological sensors, and secure communications. This suite enables the system to conduct autonomous operations, execute pre-programmed fire missions, and maintain accuracy under electronic warfare conditions.
The FCS supports single or salvo firing modes, provides real-time diagnostics on rocket status, and allows remote operation from a control station up to 25 meters away, increasing crew safety during combat.
Rapid Mobility and Battlefield Survivability
Built for shoot-and-scoot tactics, the launcher can deliver a full salvo, reposition immediately, and reload using its onboard crane without external support.
The vehicle’s self-protection package includes laser warning sensors and smoke grenade launchers, ensuring survivability against counter-battery threats.
Depending on configuration, the system can strike targets at up to 70 km with 262mm rockets and 40 km with 122mm rockets, delivering high-volume firepower against enemy troop concentrations, infrastructure, and fortified positions.
A standard loadout features two launch modules with either six 262mm rockets or 24 122mm rockets per module, bringing the total capacity to 12 or 48 ready-to-fire rounds, with additional spares carried onboard.
Strategic Upgrade for Cyprus
The introduction of the Tamnava MLRS marks a significant step in Cyprus’ modernization of its artillery forces, adding a highly mobile, long-range fires capability sourced from Serbia’s expanding defense industry.
By combining automation, modularity, and multi-caliber versatility, the Tamnava offers the National Guard a cost-effective and flexible platform suited for both conventional operations and asymmetric warfare.
Its deployment also reflects growing defense cooperation between Nicosia and Belgrade, highlighting Serbia’s increasing footprint in European defense export markets.
Adria Defense Analysis:
The Tamnava’s debut in Cyprus underscores a broader trend of European armed forces diversifying procurement and adopting multi-role rocket artillery systems. With its advanced automation and adaptable payloads, the Tamnava could emerge as a competitive alternative to established platforms in NATO and partner nations.
