Turkey has sent six F-16 fighter jets and extra air defence systems to Northern Cyprus, showing increased military readiness after a recent drone attack raised security concerns in the region.
In a statement released on Monday, Turkey’s defence ministry said the move was a precaution due to rising tensions in the area.
The ministry explained that six F-16 jets and air defence equipment have now been stationed in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Northern Cyprus is a self-declared state that is only recognised by Turkey. Turkey has kept troops there since 1974, when the island was divided after Turkish forces intervened following a coup backed by Greece.
The latest military deployment comes shortly after Cyprus was affected by growing tensions linked to recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Last week, a drone believed to be made in Iran hit a British military base on the island, raising fears that the wider Middle East conflict could spread to the eastern Mediterranean.
Officials in Nicosia said early investigations suggest the drone may have been launched by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, rather than directly from Iran. The attack has increased security worries for Cyprus, which hosts several important military facilities used by Western allies.
The incident has also drawn international attention. A number of European countries have promised to strengthen Cyprus’s air defence systems after the drone strike.
France has already taken visible action. President Emmanuel Macron ordered the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to move into the Mediterranean. France has also sent a warship and additional air defence equipment to Cyprus. Macron is also expected to visit the island soon, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
At the moment, the Greek-Cypriot south of the island holds the rotating presidency of the European Union. This has placed Cyprus in an important position in ongoing diplomatic and security discussions as tensions continue to grow in the Mediterranean region.
