Turkey Deploys Six F-16s to Occupied Northern Cyprus
Turkey has announced it has deployed six F-16 fighter jets to the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East and military activity increases in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“In the context of the latest developments in our region, six F-16 fighter jets and air defence systems have been deployed to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as of today,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that this was part of the phased planning to strengthen the breakaway state’s security.
“As a result of the evaluations to be made depending on the developments, additional measures will continue to be taken if necessary,” it added. The move comes as Ankara conducts a broader security review prompted by recent regional developments, with the potential positioning of fighter aircraft forming part of that planning.
Turkey’s F-16 arrival in Northern Cyprus
According to a report by Cyprus Mail, six Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jets arrived at Ercan Airport on Sunday. The reported move comes as Turkey seeks to reinforce its deterrence posture after a week of mounting security concerns. According to the report, the decision followed an incident last week, when an Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicle targeted the island.
Following that incident, the United Kingdom and several European Union countries announced plans to deploy additional military assets to the wider region.
Military presence is building up across Cyprus
Following the strike on the British base, several countries have deployed military assets to Cyprus.
Greece sent four F-16 fighter jets last week. It also deployed two naval vessels, including the frigate Kimon, which Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described as the pride of the fleet.
France dispatched the frigate Languedoc to the region and moved the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle toward the Eastern Mediterranean. Italy and Spain also announced plans to send the frigates Federico Martinego and Cristobal Colon, adding to the expanding naval presence in the region.
The United Kingdom responded after an air base on the island came under attack, deploying two Wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone missiles. The destroyer HMS Dragon is also expected to arrive in the region next week.
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