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The long-anticipated modernization of the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos is officially underway, marking a major step forward in U.S.-Cyprus defense cooperation and the Republic’s growing strategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean.
According to Kathimerini's Apostolos Tomaras, the upgrade, based on U.S. military standards, is part of a joint plan between Cyprus and the United States to transform the decades-old base into a modern, dual-purpose hub capable of hosting both humanitarian missions and allied military operations.
According to sources cited by Kathimerini, the American side is nearly ready to start construction, having completed two technical studies outlining the €40-50 million worth of work they will fund. Meanwhile, the Republic of Cyprus has launched its part of the project, beginning with land procedures to expand the runway and aircraft parking zones. A request for the use of state-owned land, avoiding any Turkish Cypriot property, has already been submitted to the Land Registry, aiming to avoid legal delays.
The Cypriot government will oversee the runway extension and parking areas, while the U.S. will handle the core infrastructure upgrades and security enhancements. These include expanding fuel systems, increasing aircraft capacity, improving communications for air threat detection, and boosting air defense systems, all designed to align with U.S. military protocols.
The air base, originally built during the heyday of Cyprus-Greece defense cooperation in the 1990s, has seen growing relevance over the past decade, especially during regional crises like the wars in Syria and Gaza. It has served as a crucial logistical and humanitarian staging area, increasing Cyprus’ geopolitical value and warming defense ties with Western allies.
Sources say the agreement with the U.S. emphasizes continued humanitarian use of the facility, in addition to military support functions. The upgrade also symbolizes a broader shift in Cyprus’ defense posture, following the lifting of the U.S. arms embargo and enhanced engagement with European partners.
In parallel, plans are also in motion to modernize the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base in Mari, with a focus on accommodating larger warships. Though earlier studies were developed in cooperation with France, fresh designs are now needed. Cyprus is eyeing EU funding, possibly through the SAFE security program, to support the costly upgrade, which would require deepening the port to 12 meters.
However, not all aspects of Cyprus' defense modernization are progressing smoothly. Decisions on replacing outdated Russian-made T80U tanks remain stalled. Although Israeli Merkava tanks are being considered, an embargo on military exports due to ongoing Middle East conflicts complicates that option. German Leopards and French models are also under review, but both face political or logistical hurdles.
For now, Cyprus’ National Guard continues efforts to maintain operational readiness with its current tank fleet as it pushes ahead with broader infrastructure upgrades that reflect its deepening ties with Western allies.
