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UK to Provide Infrastructure Services for Cyprus-Based Military Facilities

The UK Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded Mitie Defence Limited a contract to deliver critical infrastructure services to British military facilities in Cyprus.

Under the 256-million-pound ($321 million) agreement, the company will provide maintenance work, repairs, and hard facilities management for every UK defense complex on the island.

Covered sites include the RAF Akrotiri, Episkopi, Dhekelia, Ayios Nikolias, Troodos, Bloodhound Camp, and Radio Sonde.

Work on the project will begin in autumn, with the initial phase running for seven years.

Additional contractors from the region will support the effort’s supply chain.

“I’m pleased that this contract has been awarded and look forward to seeing it implemented and the benefits it will bring to our people, both uniformed and civilian, here in Cyprus,” British Forces Cyprus Commander Air Vice Marshal Peter Squires said.

“The Ministry of Defence’s sites on Cyprus are varied and geographically-dispersed from each other which adds to the challenge, but I am confident the team are ready to meet it.”

Enhancing Armed Forces’ Quality of Life

According to the UK, the project enables “more flexible and responsive” support for the British personnel in Cyprus by providing secure and resilient infrastructures to each installation.

Images show the handover of 84 Squadron based at Royal Air Force Akrotiri in Cyprus. 84 Squadron is currently home to the Griffin HA2 who will be handing to the Puma HC2 on 31 March 2023. Since 2003, the Griffin has been an integral part of the capabilities for British Forces Cyprus performing not only as an Emergency Response and firefighting platform but also supporting joint UK/ Cyprus training and military exercises. They will conduct their last flight on Friday 31 Mar and will fly over RAF Akrotiri Station at 1210. The official transition of Puma Force in Cyprus took place with Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Mike Wigston and Commander British Forces Air Vice Marshal Peter Squires, in attendance. The flying formation, led by the Griffin will include the newly tasked Puma helicopters that arrived from RAF Benson in February. The Puma team will take over the capabilities from the Griffin from 1 April 2023.
British squadron at Royal Air Force Akrotiri in Cyprus. Photo: Cpl Barbara Robinson RAF/UK Ministry of Defence

“DIO is committed to supporting people across the Armed Forces who depend on us to provide facilities and essential services which allow them to work safely and securely,” DIO Chief Operating Officer David Brewer stated.

“This important milestone follows years of hard work to design a contract that builds on the successes of existing hard facilities management arrangements while adding additional services and improvements to improve the quality of life for our Armed Forces in Cyprus.”

Overseas Prime Contracts Program

The latest infrastructure services contract is part of DIO’s Overseas Prime Contracts program seeking to revamp British defense installations in other regions.

Last year, the UK started similar works in Gibraltar valued at 155 million pounds ($194 million).

Subsequent phases will see the upgrade of facilities in the Falkland Islands, Ascension Island, and Germany.

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