S Cyprus to Ready up to 15 Aircraft for 2025 Firefighting Operations

Eleven aircraft have already been secured, with an additional four potentially available under specific conditions, sources from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Forests told Phileleftheros.

The comprehensive firefighting plan has been finalised amid concerns of a particularly challenging season due to rainfall patterns and temperature forecasts that necessitate heightened fire safety measures.

Of the confirmed aircraft, four firefighting planes were secured through contracts from last season. Two have been available to the Department of Forests since April 1, with two more becoming operational in May.

Two Air Tractors from Jordan arrived in Cyprus in late March along with their operators under a bilateral agreement to support the Republic during the fire season. The same agreement stipulates that Jordan will immediately dispatch two additional firefighting helicopters if needed.

Authorities are reportedly close to finalising an agreement with another country for the provision of two high-performance helicopters intended to play a primary role in forest firefighting operations. Sources indicate this agreement is considered largely procedural at this stage.

The Department of Forests’ own Air Tractor will also be available for operations when necessary. According to sources, the aircraft is currently undergoing repairs and will be combat-ready shortly, with two departmental pilots available to operate it.

A contract for leasing two Kamov firefighting helicopters remains unresolved, as reported by philenews last Wednesday.

However, if the contracting authority (General Accounting Office) receives assurances from the Ministry of Defence and Department of Forests that the evaluation was not deficient, the contract will be signed, making the Kamov helicopters available.

This contract also provides for two additional Kamov helicopters under specific conditions if requested by the Republic.

At least five aircraft will be ready for immediate deployment during April, including the Republic’s Air Tractor, which is expected to reach full operational readiness soon.

Based on calculations and agreements, 11 of these helicopters and aircraft will be operational by May. Sources familiar with historical firefighting capabilities indicated this might be the first time such a large number of primary firefighting aircraft will be available from May.

Source: In-Cyprus