On Thursday 13 March, the British authorities announced a major modernisation programme for the Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri and the upgrading of all British military facilities in Cyprus.
The ambitious project, estimated to cost £2 billion, aims to strengthen the country's strategic capabilities in the region and improve conditions for military personnel and their families.
- The upgrade of Akrotiri's infrastructure will be delivered in phases, with key works scheduled for completion in 2027. Key areas of the modernisation programme include:
- Aviation infrastructure development - the expansion of passenger and cargo terminals, which will increase the base's transport capacity, and the introduction of advanced air traffic control systems.
- Environmental initiatives - creation of a rainwater harvesting and recycling system, installation of solar panels to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, organisation of car parks for electric vehicles and bicycles.
- Social and welfare infrastructure - construction of 138 modern housing units for military families, construction of new schools to provide quality education for military children, opening of a state-of-the-art medical centre.
Akrotiri Base Commander, Simon Cloke, emphasised that the modernisation programme will significantly increase the strategic importance of the facility, transforming it into an advanced military area of the future.
The upgrade will strengthen the UK's position in the Eastern Mediterranean, giving it and its allies operational access to critical regions including the Middle East and North Africa. It will enable a more effective response to military and humanitarian crises and strengthen NATO's presence in this strategic area. The Akrotiri base remains a key part of the UK's defence strategy and its renewal is indicative of the country's long-term plans for the region. In the light of current geopolitical challenges, this modernisation will be an important step in strengthening security and stability in the Mediterranean," Cloke stressed.
Akrotiri Air Base was established in 1955 and has since played a vital role in the UK's military and humanitarian operations. As the largest Royal Air Force base outside the country, it serves as a springboard for allied military operations in the Middle East region.
In recent years, Akrotiri has been used for missions against terrorist groups such as ISIL as part of Operation Shader, as well as for military operations in the Israel-Gaza conflict zone. The base has also been used for numerous humanitarian missions, including the evacuation of citizens from crisis-ridden Sudan and assistance to victims of devastating earthquakes in Turkey.