Cyprus to expand naval base for allied ships

Cyprus plans to expand the Evangelos Florakis naval base in Mari to accommodate more than eight large warships and support vessels from allied fleets, according to Cyprus Mail, citing the defence publication Janes.

The Ministry of Defence has commissioned a one-year design study by a consortium of two Athens-based engineering companies, Triton and Marnet, to determine the number of berths and specifications for ships the base will service.

Commodore Nikolaos Louka stated that the use of the base by foreign fleets will require approval from Cypriot authorities, and the study will establish the final number of berths and ship capabilities.

Currently, the base can only meet the needs of Cyprus’ small navy, which operates patrol and coastal vessels, with its largest ship being the 900-tonne, 62-metre-long support vessel Alasia.

The project is initially focused on harbour and maritime infrastructure, with land-based facilities also planned for future upgrades, though technical specifications and construction schedules have not yet been approved.

US European Command is funding the construction of a new helipad at Mari for large Chinook-type transport helicopters, intended for evacuating people from conflict zones. Similar facilities are also planned for Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos.