US-backed upgrades transform Cyprus into regional humanitarian hub

Cyprus is upgrading key military installations with funding from the United States as part of efforts to strengthen its role as a regional humanitarian hub for evacuations and crisis response operations in the eastern Mediterranean.

The main Evangelos Florakis Naval Base, located just 142 miles (229 kilometers) from Lebanon’s coastline, will receive a new heliport funded by the U.S. European Command. The facility will be capable of accommodating large transport helicopters, including Chinook-type aircraft, to support the rapid evacuation of civilians from nearby conflict zones, AP reports. 

In the island’s southwest, the Andreas Papandreou Air Base is also set for expansion. Plans include the construction of a new aircraft apron designed to accommodate multiple heavy-lift military transport aircraft. The upgrade will allow for faster refueling and maintenance of aircraft involved in humanitarian and logistical missions across the region.

Lt. Col. Paris Samoutis, spokesperson for Cyprus’ National Guard, confirmed the details to The Associated Press, which was given rare access to the restricted facilities. He said the projects are part of a broader modernization effort aimed at ensuring Cyprus can effectively support large-scale humanitarian operations.

The United States is financing the two projects as part of a wider assistance program for upgrading Cypriot bases. Work on the developments is expected to begin next year.

While the total cost has not yet been finalized, Samoutis said the U.S. has already allocated €500,000 for planning the expansion of the air base apron. Final funding figures will be determined once cost assessments are completed.

By Sabina Mammadli