Cyprus firefighting hub nears funding for two aircraft

Paphos, Cyprus. Cyprus’ Regional Aerial Firefighting Station is expected to secure co-funding for two firefighting aircraft as it expands as an operational and training hub for the EU and neighbouring countries, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Monday.

The funding process is at an advanced stage and a positive outcome is expected, Palmas said at the Andreas Papandreou airbase.

Operational role

“CRAFS will acquire its own operational wings,” Palmas said.

The aircraft will prioritise support for countries in the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood and are expected to significantly strengthen the hub’s operational capabilities.

CRAFS will support regional aerial firefighting operations while also serving as a centre of excellence for training, certification and research, Palmas said.

Training and coordination

The hub will provide command and control for firefighting aircraft deployed on missions and technical expertise within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Its work will include developing common operational standards, training personnel, conducting simulations and supporting research.

Palmas said particular importance would be placed on common protocols, communication standards and operational interoperability among participating countries and organisations.

Cyprus is already working closely with the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre, the operational centre of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Regional location

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen first announced CRAFS on September 10, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen Europe’s response to increasingly severe wildfires linked to climate change.

Palmas said Cyprus was selected because of its geographical position and strategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean and the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood.