The Defence Ministry is preparing to request an extension for two Jordanian Air Tractor 802 firefighting aircraft to remain in Cyprus until mid-December, as unseasonably high temperatures and prolonged dry conditions maintain elevated wildfire risk even in winter.
The request will be submitted through the Foreign Ministry in response to the particularly high temperatures for the season and extended dry conditions resulting from a three-year drought that keeps the risk of forest fire outbreak and spread at heightened levels, according to competent sources.
Keeping the aircraft until mid-December ensures the Republic of Cyprus maintains a high level of operational readiness for as long as the increased ignition risk continues, sources said.
The two aircraft have been operating from Larnaca since last March, continuing cooperation that began last year. During their stay in Cyprus they have assisted in critical operations, covering significant operational gaps and strengthening the readiness of aerial firefighting forces.
On Thursday, Jordan’s Minister of Agriculture Dr Saeb Al-Khraisat, accompanied by director general Andreas Grigoriou, visited the aircraft team and spoke with ground and air personnel, thanking them for their assistance in tackling forest fires.
The extension is expected to be requested under a bilateral cooperation memorandum. Since 1 April 2025, the new Aerial Firefighting Unit has operated under the National Guard, utilising an integrated operating framework and strengthening coordination, training and response during the fire protection period.
For this year, 11 primary aircraft were secured, a number that reached 14 during the peak period, constituting the largest operational fleet the Republic of Cyprus has ever had. The qualitative upgrade is also evident: total water or firefighting material drop capacity now exceeds 36 tonnes compared to 31 tonnes the previous year.
Meanwhile, reserve assets from the National Guard and police support operations, whilst two Jordanian helicopters remain on standby in Jordan with a six-hour response time.
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