Time to go home: Chinooks' firefighting mission in Cyprus draws to a close

A pair of Chinooks are returning to the United Kingdom after a successful summer fighting fires.

The helicopters supported the Republic of Cyprus in July by dropping 450 tonnes of water onto the biggest wildfire in half a century.

A detachment from 1310 Flight came to RAF Akrotiri at the start of the year to replace the retired Puma as the base's aerial firefighting unit.

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The crew are now heading home to RAF Odiham in Hampshire with the fire season declared over.

Squadron Leader Alan Rose, Officer Commanding 1310 Flight, said: "Cyprus is a great place to operate.

"I'm sad to see the time coming to an end, but I'm looking forward to going home. The fact that we're going home in time for Christmas is a bonus."

1310 Flight joined RAF Akrotiri's permanent aerial firefighting and rescue unit, 84 Squadron, which is one of the oldest in the Royal Air Force.

Using a Bambi Bucket connected to the CH-47's underslung load attachment, the heavy lifting helicopter can collect water from the sea or a reservoir to drop onto a fire.

The new capability was adopted earlier this year to fill a gap between the Puma HC2 and the incoming Jupiter H145.

The RAF's new firefighting helicopter will be used in Cyprus and Brunei, entering service in 2026.

However, the Chinooks will be coming back to Cyprus ahead of next year's firefighting season, which begins on 1 April.

Until then, RAF Akrotiri will be without a helicopter force.

Meanwhile Defence Fire and Rescue Service will continue to respond to emergencies in the Sovereign Base Areas, and the wider Republic of Cyprus if asked, with ground units.

Wildfires are a seasonal hazard in Cyprus with summer temperatures sometimes exceeding 40°C.