The Cyprus National Guard has successfully completed an aerial firefighting deployment to southern France under the European Union’s rescEU mechanism, supporting French authorities in their efforts to contain extensive forest fires in the Pyrénées-Orientales region.

The mission was carried out by the Aerial Firefighting Squadron of the Cyprus National Guard Air Command, following a request submitted through the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC). The deployment highlighted Cyprus’ contribution to European civil protection operations and the National Guard’s ability to support international emergency-response missions.

The order to activate the Cypriot contingent was issued on 5 July 2026, with Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport in southern France designated as its operational destination. The mission was coordinated by Cyprus Civil Defence, while the Deputy Commander of the Aerial Firefighting Squadron was appointed as head of the Cypriot contingent.

The deployment consisted of 12 personnel, including aircrews, technical specialists and support personnel, together with two Air Tractor AT-802 firefighting aircraft leased by the Republic of Cyprus.

The support team arrived at the French operational base on 6 July, followed by the two AT-802 aircraft on 7 July. Their transfer to France involved approximately 11 hours of flight time and three intermediate refuelling stops.

Following the necessary operational briefings, the Cypriot crews were integrated into France’s civil protection aerial firefighting system and assigned to operations against active forest fires in the Pyrénées-Orientales area.

The initial deployment was scheduled to last five days, with the possibility of an extension if requested by the rescEU mechanism and the competent French authorities.

During their deployment, the two Air Tractor aircraft conducted aerial firefighting missions in close coordination with French authorities and other European forces deployed to the affected areas. The Cypriot Ministry of Defence highlighted the professionalism, operational readiness and effective cooperation demonstrated by the personnel throughout the mission.

According to the Ministry, the Cypriot contingent made a meaningful contribution to the broader European effort to protect human life, property and the natural environment from the impact of the wildfires.

Following completion of the operation, both aircraft and all participating personnel returned safely to Cyprus. The aircraft have since been reintegrated into the country’s national aerial firefighting force and remain at full operational readiness to respond to emergencies within the Republic of Cyprus.

The Ministry of Defence expressed its appreciation to the aircrews and personnel of the Aerial Firefighting Squadron for their dedication, professionalism and exemplary representation of the Republic of Cyprus abroad. It also thanked the French authorities, the ERCC and all participating organisations for their close cooperation and effective coordination.

Cyprus’ participation in the rescEU operation also demonstrated the importance of European solidarity in responding to increasingly demanding natural disasters. Beyond its immediate contribution to firefighting operations in France, the deployment showcased the National Guard’s capacity to rapidly deploy personnel and aircraft beyond Cyprus and operate effectively alongside international partners.

The mission therefore represents another practical contribution by the Republic of Cyprus to European civil protection, reinforcing the principles of solidarity, cooperation and mutual assistance among EU Member States while demonstrating the operational capabilities of the Cyprus National Guard in international missions.