Nicosia: Cyprus is set to enhance its firefighting capabilities with two additional aircraft, thanks to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Cyprus has been identified as a high-risk country for wildfires, prompting European firefighting forces to be strategically pre-positioned as a preventive measure. This initiative is part of the European Commission's broader effort to fortify preparedness against wildfires, as detailed in a press release issued on Tuesday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus is included in the European plan for the 2026 summer firefighting fleet. This plan involves the deployment of two light aircraft, supplementing the four light aircraft already funded through other EU instruments. The press release further reveals that a total of 777 firefighters from 14 European countries will be stationed in areas at increased risk, such as Cyprus, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal. Additionally, the EU fleet has 22 firefighting aircraft and 5 helicopters on standby to assist countries facing wildfire emergencies. This is part of a broader operational strategy by the EU to provide swift support to national civil protection systems.
Beyond the support for Cyprus, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism will deploy resources to several other European nations. Croatia will receive two medium amphibious aircraft, France will be supported with four medium amphibious aircraft and one helicopter, Greece with four medium amphibious aircraft, Italy with two medium amphibious aircraft, Spain with two medium amphibious aircraft, and both Portugal and Sweden will receive two light aircraft each. Moreover, North Macedonia will receive two light aircraft, the Czech Republic two helicopters, and Slovakia and Romania one helicopter each under the same mechanism.
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance regional preparedness, the European Commission also plans to establish a European regional firefighting station in Cyprus. This station, expected to be operational by 2026, will accommodate up to six firefighting aircraft and serve as a training and exercise hub for civil protection professionals across Europe and the broader Southern Mediterranean region.