The U.S. Air Force is exploring upgrades to Cyprus' premier air base to use it as a humanitarian staging post for future Middle East operations, a Cypriot official revealed on Thursday.
Experts from the 435th Contingency Response Group, based in Germany, are assessing the capacity of Andreas Papandreou Air Base to support a range of U.S. air assets and ensure safe operations.
Newsweek has reached out the U.S. Air Force for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Cyprus' strategic location, only 114 miles (184 kilometers) from Beirut, makes it a vital hub for evacuations and humanitarian aid. Enhancing the air base would strengthen its role in Middle Eastern crisis responses, bolstering U.S.-Cyprus relations while reinforcing the island nation's standing as a dependable Western ally in the region.
What to Know
U.S. experts are examining improvements to air traffic safety, including state-of-the-art radar installations to enable independent civilian and military aircraft operations at Andreas Papandreou Air Base.
The base's proximity to Cyprus' second-largest civilian airport allows for the seamless transfer of evacuees to civilian flights. Additionally, the assessment includes potential runway expansions, increased capacity for transport and fighter aircraft, and constructing hardened shelters for protection.
Requires Cypriot Approval
The Cypriot government approved the assessment following the recent deployment of a U.S. Marine contingent equipped with V-22 Osprey aircraft. The Marines were stationed as a precautionary measure for potential evacuations during Israel's strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon late last year. Deputy government spokesman Yannis Antoniou stated that any use of the base by foreign forces would require Cypriot approval and emphasized that it would not be used for military strikes.
Strengthening Ties
Bilateral military cooperation between the U.S. and Cyprus has grown significantly in recent years. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides reaffirmed the country's "clear Western orientation," strengthening ties with the U.S. A notable development came last week when Cyprus was authorized to purchase U.S. arms and surplus military equipment, a move seen as recognition of Cyprus' reliability as a partner.
What People Are Saying
Unnamed Cypriot official: "The Americans are very specific on safety issues and want to make some upgrades to further improve the base's safety."
Deputy Cypriot government spokesman Yannis Antoniou: "We've shown interest in working with (U.S. forces) because we consider this to serve the vital interests of the Cyprus Republic."
What Happens Next
U.S. Air Force experts will prepare a report detailing the required upgrades and associated costs, including the percentage the U.S. government might cover. As relations between the U.S. and Cyprus deepen, the air base upgrades could mark a significant step in regional cooperation and crisis readiness.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
About the writer
Amir Daftari is a Newsweek reporter based in London, specializing in global affairs with a focus on the Middle East. ... Read more