Türkiye Deploys Six F-16 Fighter Jets, Air Defence Systems to Northern Cyprus

Turkish Ministry of National Defence

Turkish Air Force F-16 fighters.

Türkiye deployed six F-16 fighter jets and air defence systems to northern Cyprus on Monday to boost the security of the Turkish ‌community, its defence ministry said, pledging to take further measures if needed because of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

"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," Türkiye's defence ministry said in a statement.

"As a result of the evaluations to be made depending on the developments, additional measures will continue to be taken if necessary."

European powers have increased military deployments to the divided island of Cyprus after a drone struck Britain’s Akrotiri air base last week. Security officials believe the drone was launched by Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

Türkiye does not recognise the internationally recognised Greek Cypriot administration in the south of the island, which is a member of the European Union. Ankara is the only country to recognise the Turkish Cypriot state in the north.

Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides told the Kathimerini newspaper that the deployments were a “reaction” by Türkiye to European statements asserting that the island’s security is the responsibility of the EU. He also described Türkiye as an “occupying power” in Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman criticised the remarks, saying the priority should be to ensure the security of the entire island for both Cypriot communities.

Omer Celik, spokesman for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling AK Party, said the deployments were not directed against any party but were intended solely for security purposes and to “consolidate the power balance” on the island.

“But we must add this: further steps may also follow, whether through air defence systems or drone centres,” he told broadcaster NTV.

Last week, NATO air defences shot down a ballistic missile fired from Iran after it entered Turkish airspace. NATO member Türkiye subsequently warned Iran against launching further missiles in its direction.

Ankara has also cautioned that increased European military deployments in Cyprus could risk drawing the island into the broader regional conflict.

Source: Reuters



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