Turkey has deployed six F-16 fighter jets to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as part of measures aimed at strengthening security in the eastern Mediterranean, the country’s defense ministry said.
The aircraft arrived on Monday and are operating from Ercan International Airport near Nicosia. Footage released by Turkish media suggested the fighters were equipped for air defense and combat air patrol missions over the region.
Ankara said the deployment also included air defense systems and warned that additional steps could follow depending on developments in the region.
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The move comes as military activity around Cyprus has increased following a drone strike last week on the British RAF Akrotiri air base on the southern part of the island. Security officials believe the drone may have been launched by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group.
Several countries have reinforced their presence in Cyprus since the incident. Greece deployed four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates to the island, while France announced plans to send an aircraft carrier strike group along with additional anti-drone and missile defense systems.
Turkey said its deployment was intended to protect the Turkish Cypriot community and maintain stability on the island. Officials in Ankara also warned that further military assets, including additional air defense systems or drone units, could be deployed if required.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 between the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish-controlled north. Turkey remains the only country that recognizes the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The latest deployments highlight the growing military presence around the island as the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States continues to raise concerns about regional spillover in the eastern Mediterranean.
