€145 million for the air base in Paphos and the expansion of the naval base in Mari.
⚓✈️ Cyprus has begun the implementation of two strategic projects that can significantly change the island’s role in the Eastern Mediterranean.
This concerns the modernization of the “Andreas Papandreou” air base in Paphos and the “Evangelos Florakis” naval base in Mari.
🇺🇸 Air base in Paphos — cooperation with the United States
The cost of the expansion is preliminarily estimated at €145 million, but the final budget has not yet been approved.
The project provides for the construction of new parking areas for military aircraft, maintenance facilities, and auxiliary infrastructure.
The United States is already participating in the preparation of project documentation. The signing of the construction contract is scheduled for 2027, and the start of works for 2028.
⚓ Naval base in Mari — up to eight warships
After the expansion, the base will be able to receive larger ships of allied states. According to preliminary estimates, its capacity may reach eight warships.
The design has been entrusted to the Greek consortium TRITON–MARNET. The completion of the studies is expected in the autumn of 2027, and the start of construction in 2028.
🚁 With the support of the American command in Europe, a helipad is also being created for large Chinook transport helicopters, which can be used in the evacuation of civilians from conflict zones.
🌍 What does this mean for Cyprus?
The new facilities should expand the capabilities of the National Guard, strengthen cooperation with European countries and the United States, and turn the island into an important regional point for humanitarian and evacuation operations.
At the same time, Cyprus is not a member of NATO, and the use of its military facilities by foreign forces will require coordination with the Cypriot authorities.
⚠️ The plans are being implemented against the backdrop of tense relations with Turkey, which opposes the strengthening of Nicosia’s military cooperation with Western partners.
📌 Both projects are still mainly at the design stage. Their construction is planned to be carried out in stages so that the completed facilities can be used even before the full completion of the modernization.
🇨🇾 Cyprus expects to strengthen its significance in the security system of the Eastern Mediterranean while expanding opportunities for conducting humanitarian operations.
@cyprus_kipr
