Cyprus is upgrading key military bases with funding from the United States to strengthen its role as a safe haven and humanitarian hub in the eastern Mediterranean. Improvements at the Evangelos Florakis naval base include a new heliport capable of handling large transport helicopters for evacuations, while the Andreas Papandreou air base will add expanded refueling and maintenance space for heavy transport aircraft. Work is expected to begin next year.

The upgrades are part of a broader effort to prepare Cyprus for large-scale humanitarian operations, including evacuations from conflict zones in the Middle East. The United States has already provided funding for development planning, though total project costs have not yet been finalized. Additional improvements will allow the naval base to host larger warships to provide air defense support during evacuation missions.

Cyprus has increasingly positioned itself as a bridge between Western partners and the Middle East, particularly after strengthening ties with the United States and the European Union. In recent years, the island has served as a transit point for evacuees from Sudan, Israel and Lebanon, and has facilitated maritime aid shipments to Gaza. Leaders stress that the upgraded facilities will be used strictly for humanitarian purposes, reinforcing Cyprus’ role as a stable and reliable partner in the region.