US Air Force plans upgrades to Cyprus airbase for humanitarian operations in the Middle East

The U.S. Air Force is assessing upgrades to Cyprus' Andreas Papandreou Air Force Base to enhance its role as a humanitarian staging post for future Middle East operations. This follows the base's use for evacuating foreign nationals and delivering aid to Gaza. Experts from the 435th Contingency Response Group are evaluating necessary improvements, including advanced radar for air traffic safety and expanded facilities for military aircraft. The upgrades aim to ensure safe operations alongside the nearby civilian airport. Cyprus has agreed to the assessment after a recent U.S. Marine deployment at the base. Any military use will require government approval, and officials clarified that the base will not serve as a launch point for military strikes.