To ensure continuous aerial firefighting capacity, the Republic of Cyprus has given a significant €25.64 million contract to the Spanish aerospace company Air Tractor Europe SL for the purchase of three cutting-edge firefighting aircraft and the wet leasing of additional aircraft. Under reference ΓΛ 27/2024, the contract awarded by the Treasury of the Republic of Cyprus (Γενικό Λoγιστζριο Δημοκρατίας) was finalised on September 24, 2025.
Overview of the Contract
The contract, which was published on September 25, 2025, in the Official Journal of the European Union (Document No. 626479-2025), is a crucial part of Cyprus's plan to improve its national fire prevention and response capacities in the face of Mediterranean wildfire seasons that are getting worse.The deal, which is worth €25,641,897, includes
acquiring three (3) brand-new firefighting aircraft
Firefighting aircraft are being wet-leased pending the delivery of the replacement fleet
Flying and maintaining the bought aircraft from 2026 to 2028, with the potential to extend for 2029 to 2030
Furthermore, between 2028 and 2030, the contracting authority retains the right to purchase an additional five aircraft (without maintenance or flying services), enabling the firefighting fleet to be scaled as needed.
Participating Entities
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Buyer: Treasury of the Republic of Cyprus (Γενικό Λογιστήριο Δημοκρατίας)
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Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
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Contact: Mr. Giorgos Lazaris - glazaris@treasury.gov.cy
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Website: www.treasury.gov.cy
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Supplier: Air Tractor Europe SL
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Location: Castellón, Spain
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Website: www.eprocurement.gov.cy/epps
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Email: bidder@airtractoreurope.com
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Many people are familiar with Air Tractor Europe's specialized aerial firefighting aircraft, especially the AT-802 series, which is well-known for its dependability, range, and adaptability in combating wildfires.
The Contract's significance
This procurement marks a strategic investment in Cyprus’s civil protection infrastructure, reinforcing its ability to combat large-scale forest fires more efficiently. A wet lease agreement is included to guarantee that the nation's firefighting capabilities continue to function during the transitional phase until the delivery of the replacement aircraft.The deal also emphasises cross-border collaboration inside the EU, demonstrating how Spain's aerospace sector uses operational support and technological transfer to strengthen regional resilience in the Mediterranean.
The options for contract renewal and expansion provide scalability in response to changing climate conditions and are in line with Cyprus's disaster management framework for 2026-2030.
Final Thoughts
Cyprus makes a significant move to update its aerial firefighting fleet and protect its residents and natural resources by collaborating with Air Tractor Europe. In addition to bolstering the nation's emergency response capabilities, the €25.6 million deal shows the government's proactive approach to climate adaptation and public safety readiness for the next years.
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