Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’s firefighting aircraft and crews have returned safely from France after supporting efforts against major forest fires in the south of the country, the Defence Ministry said on Sunday.
The two Air Tractor AT-802 aircraft, their flight crews and technical support personnel have rejoined Cyprus’s national firefighting force and remain on full operational readiness.
Mission in southern France
The deployment followed a request from the European Emergency Response Coordination Centre to reinforce French authorities responding to extensive wildfires in southern France.
The aircraft carried out firefighting operations in cooperation with French authorities and other European forces deployed in the area.
Ministry statement
The Defence Ministry said the personnel demonstrated professionalism, operational readiness and cooperation during the mission, contributing to efforts to protect lives, property and the natural environment.
It thanked the aircraft crews and firefighting squadron personnel for their dedication, professionalism and representation of Cyprus abroad. The ministry also thanked French authorities, the Emergency Response Coordination Centre and all agencies involved for their cooperation and coordination.
European civil protection role
The ministry said Cyprus’s participation in RescEU operations confirmed the country’s active role in European civil protection and demonstrated the National Guard’s ability to respond to international missions.
It added that the mission promoted solidarity, cooperation and mutual assistance among European Union member states.