In the spring of 2027, the upgrade of the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos, as well as the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base in Mari, are expected to begin, two projects that will give the Republic of Cyprus strategic depth and increased geopolitical displacement in the region.
As it became known from previous reports, the upgrade of the air base will also be done in cooperation with the United States, while the naval base in Mari is being carried out with the assistance of French experts. It is also recalled that after the announcement of the Ministry of Defense, there was interest from a number of companies to undertake part of the project.
Starting from the Andreas Papandreou Air Base, the landing strip is expected to be significantly expanded, so that there is the possibility of relocating more and larger aircraft, such as transport aircraft.
High-tech communication systems will also be installed at the base, while work will also be done in the fuel depots, where their capacity may be increased.
Upon completion of the works, which are estimated to be completed in 2030, the base will be able to serve the increased needs of Cyprus' allies, while it will be a relocation hub for evacuation and humanitarian operations, in which a large number of transport aircraft participate.
As for the naval base in Mari, with the completion of the works, its appearance will be significantly different. The port will be dredging to serve larger ships such as frigates and submarines. As Filenews is informed, extensive work is required and the dredging of the port will not be a simple task. Today the base can accommodate small coastal patrol cars and it is estimated that the depth of the port does not exceed 7 meters. The specifications for upgrading it so that it can accommodate frigates and submarines require a dredging of more than 12 meters.
For the same purpose, the works in progress include the expansion of the Marina, while smaller modernization works are expected to take place overall throughout the base and facilities.
Its upgrade projects include infrastructure that will also concern the vessels that will be used for the purposes of the newly established Cyprus Coast Guard as well as administrative infrastructure. At the base, a helipad will also be created.
Weapon systems to protect infrastructure
However, it is not enough just to upgrade the country's two military bases. The National Guard must acquire the capabilities to effectively intercept any threat.
There is already the possibility of deactivating drones over the critical infrastructure of the Republic, however, the two bases are expected to be equipped with more modern means.
As has been proven in the recent past, not only in Cyprus but also in other European countries, drones are now the biggest threat to bases and airports.
