Cyprus will overhaul its Andreas Papandreou air base in Paphos to meet NATO standards, following an inspection by US military experts that identified critical needs for security enhancements and infrastructure upgrades.
A team from the US Air Force’s 435th Contingency Response Squadron visited Nicosia last Thursday to discuss implementation plans with Cypriot military officials at the National Guard General Staff headquarters. The visit followed their assessment of the base, which confirmed longstanding concerns about its capabilities.
Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas met with the US team before detailed discussions with ministry and military staff. The upgrades, estimated to cost under 15 million euros, are targeted for completion within 18 months, as stated by President Christodoulides. Funding is partially available in this year’s budget, with additional funds potentially sought through a supplementary budget.
The Cypriot government repeatedly emphasised the base will remain under Cypriot ownership and control, countering concerns about it becoming a US-NATO launching pad. Deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou stated that any use by US or other foreign forces would require prior approval from Cyprus, unlike the British bases at Akrotiri. “We have shown interest in cooperation [with US forces] because we believe it serves the vital interests of the Republic of Cyprus,” Antoniou said.
The revamp focuses on three key areas:
- Infrastructure modernisation including runway expansion to accommodate larger modern transport aircraft, after recent incidents where such aircraft had to divert to Larnaca airport
- New support facilities including a communications centre and engineering spaces
- Security improvements, particularly for air traffic management near Cyprus’s second-largest civilian airport, including next-generation radar systems to ensure safe separation of military and civilian aircraft
The upgrade forms part of Cyprus’s broader strategic relationship with the US following the lifting of the arms embargo. While Turkey has expressed opposition to the enhanced cooperation, viewing it as a threat to its regional interests, Cyprus aims to maintain balanced external relations, including with the EU and regional partners like Israel and Egypt.
The government’s dual objectives are to strengthen Cyprus’s military capabilities and expand its diplomatic influence. The modernised base is intended to serve as a hub for humanitarian operations while enhancing Cyprus’s deterrence capabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The US experts will return with detailed recommendations for specific improvements across the base to meet desired standards.
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