The Cyprus Defense director Panayiotis Symeou has signed a contract with HELI Company, based in Prešov, Slovakia, for the lease of four Black Hawks from the start of April to the end of October to cover the firefighting season, but the contract includes a possible 30 day extension if operational needs arise.

The ministry said the additional aircraft will bolster Cyprus’s aerial firefighting capabilities as the Black Hawks will be equipped with a rapid fill tank capable of holding 4,500 liters of water or fire retardant foam. The contract includes experienced pilots and mechanics and will increase the republic’s fleet of firefighting aircraft to 11 operational aircraft.

The ministry said it continues to strengthen preparedness and effective response through aerial firefighting resources, taking operational requirements into account. Fire Chief Nikos Longinos highlighted persistent gaps in evacuation planning, fire safety compliance, and aerial capacity, particularly in rural areas. He warned that some villages remain distant from staffed stations, leaving communities vulnerable during evening fires.

“By the time a fire truck arrives, we will lose a house or something else,” he said, citing ongoing structural weaknesses in coverage and enforcement. Longinos confirmed the leased helicopters will temporary close gaps caused by two forestry aircraft being out of service. By the time a fire truck arrives, we will lose a house or something else,” Longinos said.