With the aim of transitioning from a traditional service model to a modern, secure, interoperable and technologically advanced business center, the Department of Meteorology is proceeding with restructuring and technological upgrade.
The main priorities focus on strengthening its operational capacity, the resilience of its infrastructure and compliance with the European and national regulatory framework, in order to effectively respond to the modern needs of society, air navigation and civil protection. Essentially, strategic planning is developed into 11 key priorities that directly touch the security, the pocket and the daily life of every citizen.
Behind the ambitious plans lies a fiscal thriller for the approval of the necessary funds, with the Department clearly warning of the risks lurking in case the relevant appropriations are not covered.
The Department of Meteorology clarifies that its immediate needs are recorded in two clearly distinct actions, which should in no way be confused fiscally. He explains that the EUMETCast/ EUMETSAT satellite reception infrastructure and the cybersecurity action are two separate needs of the Department of Meteorology, with different scope and different budgetary requirements. Both actions are critical for upgrading the Department's operational capacity, compliance with European obligations and ensuring the uninterrupted provision of reliable meteorological services to the state, society and critical sectors of the economy.
The first action concerns the procurement and installation of satellite meteorological imaging infrastructure for the direct acquisition of data from EUMETSAT. The cost of the infrastructure amounts to €460,000, while an annual license of €120,000 is required for its operational exploitation. The action offers real-time access with high immediacy and reliability, elements critical for the prediction of extreme events. At the same time, it is a key prerequisite for the implementation of innovative Artificial Intelligence programs ("AI in Agrometeorology" and "AI for Early Warning System"), while it is also expected to strengthen the experimental fire detection program of the Cyprus Institute, which currently uses time-delayed images. Failure to cover the appropriations will undermine these actions and negatively affect the security of citizens and infrastructure.
An amount of €265,000 is intended exclusively to strengthen the operational resilience of the Department's critical cybersecurity systems. The action stems from the obligation to comply with the European NIS2 Directive and the specific requirements of PART-IS for air navigation (ATM/ANS) and meteorological (MET) services. As the Department supports vital services (civil protection, air navigation, warnings), protecting them from cyber threats is a legal and operational necessity. If hackers managed to "blind" the infrastructure, the effects would be knock-on. It is noted that non-compliance incurs hefty fines that will burden the state more than the cost of the investment itself.
The 11 axes of strategic planning
The Department's plan for 2026 and the following years unfolds through 11 strategic axes:
1. Concentration of all services (forecasting, observation, administration) in a single area in Athalassa, for immediate coordination and faster response when extreme phenomena break out.
2. Absolute protection of observation and forecasting systems from cyber threats, with backup mechanisms for uninterrupted operation 24/7.
3. Replacement of meteorological observation systems at Larnaca and Paphos airports with modern AWOS systems (IWXXM/SWIM standards), for safe flights.
4. Development of a system that will utilize Artificial Intelligence, radar and satellites to issue warnings focused on the effects of phenomena and not on a general description of the weather.
5. Direct supply of the Fire Brigade, Civil Defense and Air Navigation with high-resolution satellite data for faster response.
6. Cooperation with European organizations for the use of advanced numerical models that will enhance daily forecasting and fire meteorology.
7. Moving from general forecasts to specialized products for farmers, helping them manage water, protect production, and reduce damage.
8. Reinforcement with permanent and properly trained staff to ensure the demanding 24-hour operation and reduce dependence on exhausting overtime.
9. Training of officers in cutting-edge technologies, AI, cybersecurity and the correct communication of warnings to the public.
10. Installation of new sensors throughout Cyprus. In fact, to ensure the validity of the measurements, the cycle of technical inspection and maintenance of the stations is reduced from 4 to 3 months.
11. Completion of a system through which citizens, researchers and professionals (e.g. in the energy or transport sector) will have free, organised and easy-to-use access to the country's meteorological data.
