Filenews 3 May 2025 - by Angelos Nicolaou
The transition from the current model of dependent rented firefighting vehicles to a new, privately owned and coordinated flight force, has begun on April 1 with the subordination of the Aircraft Unit to the National Guard. The gradual purchase of at least 10 aerial firefighting planes over a period of five years is already underway, based on a recommendation from the competent Technical Committee, which consists of representatives of the National Guard, the Fire Brigade, the Police and the Department of Forests. The proposal includes the purchase of one type of aircraft for the sake of homogeneity, efficient maintenance and reduction of operating costs. The relevant tender for 3+5 aircraft is in the process of being evaluated, while today the Republic of Cyprus has two privately owned aircraft, for which their operational suitability is being examined by the National Guard.
At the same time, the acquisition of four medium-sized helicopters with a capacity to carry more than 3,000 liters is being considered. Given the high cost, approximately €20 million per unit, the preparation of a feasibility study is preferred to determine the viability of the investment over the continuation of the lease.
Over a five-year period, the procurement of a larger aircraft with a capacity to carry more than 8 tons of water is also planned, as well as a small, low-cost coordination plane with a long stay in the air (more than 4 hours). In addition, the Technical Committee recommends the creation of a new operational base in the area of Argaka.
For the upcoming fire season (May-October 2025), the operational plan provides for the deployment of 11 primary aircraft: 6 Air Tractor 802 aircraft (of which 2 Jordanian and 4 leased), 4 leased helicopters and 1 Chinook from the British Bases. There are also 6 secondary aircraft at the disposal of the state, ensuring multi-level readiness. Today, 5 aircraft are operating, 2 Jordanian, 2 leased and 1 helicopter of the Bases.
The operational upgrade is accompanied by parallel actions to strengthen prevention: from the receipt of dozens of new forest vehicles, controlled burning and grazing, to the subsidy of Local Authorities and forestry communities. Particular importance is also attached to legal shielding, with a tightening of the legislative framework and training of more than 1,200 people in 2025 alone by the Cyprus Forestry College.
At yesterday's wide-ranging meeting at the Presidential Palace, the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, underlined the importance of continuity, adaptability and prevention. "If we achieve a higher degree of prevention, we will reduce the challenges we face," he said, stressing the need for constant preparedness in the face of the growing effects of climate change.
The gradual transition to a privately owned fleet of aircraft is a fundamental choice of strategic importance. As pointed out by the Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, "the expenditure for prevention and protection is not a cost, it is an investment – for the present and, above all, for the next generations". Cyprus, with a plan, determination and consistency, is building its own resilient "air shield" in order to respond to the ever-increasing challenges of the time.
Yesterday, it was announced the completion of the first phase for the creation of the 112 system, with its implementation in the Fire Service starting within the next few months. The second phase is already underway, which concerns the integration of other critical state services. At the same time, the evaluation of the infrastructure for the permanent housing of the 112 new generation and the National Crisis Management Center is in progress. With funding from the European Union, the preparation of the new legal and organizational framework for the establishment of a single Civil Protection Service is progressing.
