Cyprus’s Minister of Defense, Vassilis Palmas, in statements to the Cyprus News Agency, mentioned that the upgrade of the “Andreas Papandreou” airbase in Paphos could be completed within one to one and a half years, while the “Evangelos Florakis” naval base in Mari, near Limassol, will be upgraded gradually, with the goal of completing the works around 2027.

Regarding the “Andreas Papandreou” airbase, Mr. Palmas stated that the first priority is its expansion and the improvement of certain buildings and other infrastructure. He added that as for the “Evangelos Florakis” naval base in Mari, the upgrade will be comprehensive, as defined by international procedures and technical methods for implementing such projects. He emphasized that in both cases, there are specialized experts and technicians who will determine what needs to be done and how.

The Cypriot Minister of Defense stated that concerning the airbase, the cost is not particularly high and is estimated to range between 10 and 14 million euros, depending on the final recommendations and proposals submitted. As for the naval base, he continued, it is a large-scale project that will be funded progressively, noting that efforts are being made to secure financing through the EU as well. “This is a project that could exceed 200 million euros,” he remarked.

American Expertise and Experience
Regarding the airbase, he noted that the Americans are interested in providing expertise and experience on how the conditions at this specific airbase could be improved.

“Naturally, once these projects are completed or when they are operational at a more advanced level than currently, our partners will be able to use them, of course with the approval of the Republic of Cyprus,” said Mr. Palmas, stressing that the bases belong to the Republic of Cyprus. He also emphasized that partners will use the bases depending on the circumstances at the time, “always, of course, within the framework of a humanitarian and peacekeeping mission.” The Cypriot Minister of Defense further noted that “from time to time, claims are made that do not hold water, such as, for example, that Cyprus will become a launchpad for military operations or similar things involving aggressive intentions of states. I stress and reiterate that they will be used for humanitarian and peacekeeping purposes.”

“One Thing Has Nothing to Do with the Other”
He added that Cyprus is a democratic, peaceful state that strengthens its defenses to the maximum extent possible to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, taking into account that Cyprus has been under occupation for 50 years.

“For this reason, Cyprus’s defense is being enhanced; for this reason, we are developing infrastructure so that we can respond, if and when needed, to demonstrate that we have the capacity to protect our homeland,” he noted.

Asked to respond to comments that military upgrades are being announced while efforts are underway to restart negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus issue, Mr. Palmas replied: “One thing has nothing to do with the other.” He added, “We are seeking the resumption of talks, and at the same time, there are 40,000 Turkish troops in northern Cyprus. For example, there were 50 ships during the anniversary events marking 50 years since the invasion this past July. Therefore, one does not correlate with the other.”

He stated that strengthening the defense of the Republic of Cyprus, given its semi-occupation status, is distinct from efforts to restart negotiations for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue.

When asked if the base upgrades would enhance the role of the Republic of Cyprus as a pillar of stability and reliability in the Eastern Mediterranean, Mr. Palmas replied, “Absolutely, in the sense that, in light of the current volatile, unstable, and fluid situation in our region, Cyprus’s upgraded role is evident to the naked eye.”

He pointed out that this upgrade must be proven to the greatest extent possible in practice. Thus, these infrastructures and projects will allow Cyprus to further enhance its role and demonstrate in practice that it can fulfill its obligations.

On Weapon Systems
Regarding the modernization and replacement of outdated weapon systems, Mr. Palmas replied that the process of replacing or purchasing weapons systems is an ongoing daily assessment by the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff of the National Guard. He noted, “Of course, based on recommendations by experts, equipment programs are periodically replaced or purchased to meet new conditions and needs. I reiterate, this is to support the defense of our homeland.”

Asked whether there is potential for further upgrades to other military facilities in Cyprus, Mr. Palmas stated, “This is being evaluated, and depending on needs and prevailing conditions, I do not rule out proceeding with the upgrade of other facilities as well.”