The SAAF Forum

Greetings

Just couldn’t help myself and HAD to visit and capture these now sadly discarded relics! (iirc these planes previously featured on the forum)

Although not possible to directly visit they are relatively easily accessible from outside the perimeter fence for pictures at the end of Paphos Intl runway (2 sides from public access roads, one view facilitated by some minor trespassing through local farmer’s field)

I googled access before visiting, access seemed fairly simple… MY visit attracted attention from roving Cyprus Police Patrol, eek! The two officers approached my family waiting in the rental vehicle - was a bit apprehensive walking back to the rental vehicle, but fortunately the two officers were polite and understanding.

I had to divulge full particles / personal information, these promptly radioed in by the two officers! Again very polite, asking me to wait while they ran security check or whatever. They mentioned that they tasked to investigate any / all interest in the airport in view of the military base on the premises. They were polite but quite firm and I’m convinced they followed us after departure, only turning back when we reached the highway 5km or so on - this dampened my enthusiasm and plans to visit the beach bar at the opposite end of the airport and a planned drive by RAF Akrotiri, no need to tempt fate!

I assumed this heightened security post Israel/Iran conflict but thought it a bit surprising as I recalled reading the Cyprus National Guard Mi35P “Hinds” previously based here (12 acquired in 2001-2002, 11 sold to Serbia in 2023 due to lack of spares / sanctions, welcome to correct me if not accurate).Quick Google Maps view showed ?MV-22 Ospreys parked there - yes obviously not current reflection but ?US presence / use by US adding to security considerations. As an aside, also interesting to view RAF Akrotiri on Google Maps, two U2’s (TR1’s) visible.

Anyhoo, herewith the pics - security scrutiny notwithstanding:

*Info on the history and specifics of these Shackletons and the Dassault MD315 Flamant freely available on the web

Many thanks for the feedback, I'd wondered what happened to them. Looking very sad indeed.

Bet your heart was racing! Never a pleasant experience, but glad the police were still polite.

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?