Cyprus Department of the Environment has approved the construction of the Cyprus Center for Land, Open-seas, and Port Security (CYCLOPS).
The CYCLOPS project will work according to the memorandum of understanding between the US and Cyprus, with the aim of further cooperation in the field of defense. The memorandum was signed in September 2020 by the countries during the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to the island. The head of the State Department then noted that the document would assist the further development of US-Cyprus relations and ensure border security.
The 1295 m2 training center will be erected in the Larnaca region.
By the way, the government of Cyprus has already allocated land for CYCLOPS. The US government in turn has pledged to cover all costs for the construction of the new facility, as well as the improvement of the surrounding area, to provide equipment, instructors and other support.
According to preliminary data, the cost of the project is estimated at EUR 5 million. Construction is expected to take a year.
The training center will include several platforms for hands-on training and will cover areas related to the handling and storage of hazardous chemical, biological and radioactive materials, seaport security, and cyber security and border control.
CYCLOPS will enable Cypriots to learn how to secure critical infrastructure, as well as participate in cross-border cyber investigations aimed at countering cybercrime.
According to the release, the building will include: offices, classrooms, laboratory, auxiliary rooms, reception, cafeteria, security post. In addition, the development plan includes a spacious open-air parking and a park. Photovoltaic panels will be installed on the roof of the building. The training center will be designed for a total of 100 people.
Photos: inbusinessnews.reporter.com.cy