Chinook ready for wildfire season after multi-national firefighting drills in Cyprus
The RAF's primary heavy-lift helicopter has been declared fully operational in its new role as an aerial firefighter in Cyprus.
The CH-47 Chinook took part in Exercise Pyrsos, showcasing its capability to integrate with responders when dealing with large-scale blazes.
Crews from the Republic of Cyprus's fire service along with those from neighbouring Jordan, Israel, Greece and Slovenia joined the drills, in which the Chinook's display was a highlight.
The helicopter will spend the summer responding to potentially catastrophic wildfires inside Britain's Sovereign Base Areas, plus the wider island as a part of 84 Squadron.
Squadron Leader Garry McKay, Officer Commanding 84 Squadron, said: "This marks the end of the transition from 84 Squadron with Puma to the Chinook aircraft doing the firefighting for the 2025 season."
Arriving at RAF Akrotiri earlier this year, the Chinook took over from the Puma HC2 in the fire and rescue role following the helicopter's retirement in April.
"It's not something they've been doing recently, it's not the core role of the Chinook," Sqn Ldr McKay explained.
"Finishing up being able to declare full operational capability by integrating with the Republic of Cyprus, I feel incredibly proud."
The Chinook is primarily a heavy-lift support helicopter used for transporting up to 55 troops or up to 10 tonnes of mixed cargo.
Two Chinooks with 1310 Flight arrived from RAF Odiham earlier this year.
Recognisable as a battlefield helicopter, the Chinook first saw action in British service in the Falklands War in 1982, later the Gulf War and more recently Afghanistan.
Britain last used the Chinook for aerial firefighting in the 1980s, while other countries across the world have also adopted the capability in responding to large fires.
During the exercise near the village of Agios Theodoros in the Larnaca district, helicopters and light aircraft dropped water on hillside targets while the emergency services responded by road.
The Chinook uses its underslung load capability to tether a bucket filled with water when fighting a fire.
Cyprus is particularly prone to wildfires due to the hot climate and arid environment.
Warming temperatures and suspected arson contributed to 2024's record-breaking year for wildfires on the island.
Defence Fire Services responded to 307 fires last year compared with 271 in 2023.
Jim Gray, Command Fire Officer for British Forces Cyprus, said: "BFC is proud to be represented with the Chinook aircraft.
"If we didn't have the aerial capability, it would be pretty catastrophic for us."
The squadron is available all year to respond to fires, but is most needed between April and October. During the summer, temperatures in Cyprus often exceed 40°C.
"The temperatures across the island have increased substantially the last few years. While we relied on ground assets, having that aerial capability gives us that little bit more protection," Mr Gray added.
Exercise Pyrsos is organised by the Cypriot Fire Service at the beginning of the summer every year.
Nikos Logginos, Chief Fire Officer with the Republic of Cyprus Fire Service, said: "We want to say thanks to the British bases because they give us any help we need.
"We must be ready because we are in fire season. This large-scale exercise shows we are ready to face any incident.
"Every summer we have a lot of fires, so the cooperation with the British bases is very important for us."
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