Cyprus to Purchase Ten Aircraft to Combat Annual Wildfire Challenges

The Republic of Cyprus is taking decisive action to address its critical shortage of aerial firefighting resources by purchasing ten proprietary aircraft, according to Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Petrides. This move comes after a recent major wildfire in the Limassol State Forest exposed the country's weakness in combating annual wildfires.

Cyprus currently possesses only one of its eight expected primary aerial assets, with reinforcements not anticipated until June. The government has acknowledged this issue and has decided to purchase ten aircraft outright for the first time, instead of relying on rental agreements as done by previous administrations.

Why this matters: The acquisition of dedicated firefighting aircraft is a significant step towards enhancing Cyprus's wildfire response capabilities and protecting its natural resources and communities from the devastating effects of annual wildfires.

Currently, there are two tenders underway for the rental of four firefighting planes and two helicopters, as well as a long-term tender for the supply of three firefighting aircraft. Cyprus also has access to secondary aerial assets from the police and National Guard, and potential support from neighboring countries like Jordan, Greece, and Israel. However, efforts to establish a permanent presence of aerial assets from neighboring countries have not been successful.

The issue of creating a European aerial firefighting base in Cyprus under the rescEU framework has also been raised, but has not been achieved due to the Department of Forests' mismanagement, according to Minister Petrides.

The purchase of ten proprietary aircraft marks a significant shift in Cyprus's approach to wildfire management. "The government has decided to purchase ten proprietary aerial assets for the first time, instead of relying on rental agreements as done by previous administrations," stated Minister Petrides. This proactive measure aims to bolster the country's firefighting capabilities and reduce its reliance on external support during critical wildfire seasons.

Key Takeaways

• Cyprus to purchase 10 proprietary firefighting aircraft to address shortage.
• Current aerial assets limited, with only 1 of 8 expected planes available.
• Tenders underway for rental of 4 planes and 2 helicopters, plus 3 long-term.
• Efforts to establish European aerial firefighting base in Cyprus unsuccessful.
• Purchase of 10 aircraft marks shift from relying on rental agreements.