435th Squadron at Papandreou Base for infrastructure upgrade

An assessment team from the 435th U.S. Air Force Emergency Response Support Squadron is visiting Cyprus this week.

Based at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the 435th Squadron specializes in supporting rapid airfield operations, communications, and provides combat and training support.

The team will visit Andreas Papandreou Air Force Base in Paphos. Their primary objective is to provide expertise and recommendations on new infrastructure projects that will enhance Cyprus' interoperability with the U.S. and its partners.

This visit, announced last Saturday by President Christodoulides, aims to further upgrade the Air Base.

According to Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the Americans' assessment will cover areas such as airfield operations, logistics, and communications. This will support the modernization and upgrading of Cyprus' defense capabilities.

Letymbiotis emphasized that deepening military cooperation with allied forces is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the region. "The upgrading of infrastructure, the supply of modern equipment, and investment in the training of human resources are key pillars of our national strategy for an effective and flexible defense shield," he added.

On Saturday, Defense Minister Vassilis Palmas assured that the Andreas Papandreou base will not be used for offensive missions by any state, particularly the United States. He stated that it will be utilized for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, military training, exercises, and the transportation of personnel and soldiers.