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History
Narrative Summary
The Cyprus Police operates a small fleet of Bell helicopters, together with a Britten-Norman Islander fixed-wing aircraft. Unlike the National Guard, the police force contains no mainland Greeks.
The Cyprus Police Aviation Unit (C.P.A.U) was established on the 10th June 2008, having previously operated as the ‘Cyprus Police Air Wing’ from 1989.
Key Dates
| 1960 | Cyprus Police first established. | |
| June 1989 | Police Air Wing first established. | |
| 10 June 2008 | CPAW renamed Cyprus Police Aviation Unit. |
Current Status
Cyprus Police aircraft and helicopters are primarily used by the Ministry of the Interior for various tasks: VIP transport, transport of various cargo and special police units, border monitoring, SAR missions, medevac and traffic surveillance.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
The CPAU aircraft and helicopters initially flew in a white, yellow and azure blue colour scheme, with the national flag carried as a fin flash. The service titles ‘POLICE’ were carried on the fuselage sides. The AW139s were delivered in 2010 in a new white and dark blue colour scheme, which is more police-like, with the Cyprus Police logo on the fin and POLICE titles on the fuselage sides. The existing fleet is gradually being repainted to match these colours.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
All police aircraft carry serial numbers with the prefix ‘CP’, for Cyprus Police, eg: CP-4.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Click on aircraft type for more details
| Aircraft Type | Total Del'd | Total Now | Still On Order | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AgustaWestland AW139 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Utility |
| Bell 412 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Policing |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
Click on aircraft type for more details
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Retirement | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AgustaWestland AW139 | 2 | 2010 | current | Italy |
| Bell 412 | 2 | 1992 | current | USA |
| Britten-Norman BN-2T Islander | 1 | 1990 | 2012 | UK |
Aircraft NOT Used
Four more Bell 412EP/SP helicopters were ordered in 2000 but were embargoed.
Two Mil Mi-172 were reportedly due for delivery in 2007. One was photographed pre-delivery coded CP-08. These helicopters were not delivered.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Cyprus Police, Nicosia.
Organisational Structure
The Police Aviation Unit has no sub-ordinate units.
Current Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
Historical Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
All aircraft and helicopters are based at Larnaca Airport.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
Cyprus Aviation Bibliography – to be added
Aerospace Encyclopedia of World Air Forces (Aerospace, 1999) p.170
Magazines
World Air Power Journal No.5 p.142
Air Forces Monthly August 1996
Websites
Wikipedia: Cyprus Police
Official Website
wikipedia: Cyprus Police Aviation Unit
Jetphotos.net
