Nicosia: A tender process for the acquisition of three firefighting aircraft is currently underway, as revealed by Andreas Gregoriou, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, to CNA. One of these aircraft will be funded through the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the tender is part of a larger initiative to procure a total of ten state-owned firefighting aircraft within the next five years, with an option to purchase an additional five aircraft. Gregoriou highlighted that during this year's fire season, 13 primary firefighting aircraft were available, comprising nine fixed-wing aircraft and four helicopters, while helicopters from the National Guard and Police provided secondary support.
Gregoriou also addressed advancements in the technology sector, emphasizing a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing the forest surveillance system, early fire detection, and the transmission of imagery to Operations Centers. Phase A of this plan has been completed, involving the establishment of a wireless data transmission network, the pilot installation of four fire detection sensors, and the procurement of five drone systems. Phase B will include actions involving the Department of Forests, the Fire Service, and the National Guard.
Further developments include the acquisition of 17 large fire engines by 2026, with 12 funded through the Recovery and Resilience Plan and five via national funding. Additionally, three agricultural tractors have been acquired, and two bulldozer transport trucks and ten rapid response fire engines have recently been delivered.
Gregoriou expressed concern over the impact of climate change on Cyprus, noting an upward trend in temperatures and a decrease in rainfall. He warned that these conditions, along with the abandonment of rural areas and changes in land use, are contributing to more challenging fire seasons, increasing the frequency and intensity of large-scale fires with destructive impacts.