Turkey deploys F-16 fighter jets and air defence systems to northern Cyprus

Ankara — Turkey has announced the deployment of six F-16 fighter jets and air defence systems to northern Cyprus, following an incident last week in which an Iranian drone targeted a British air base on the island.

According to an official statement from the Turkish Defence Ministry, the move is intended to enhance the security of northern Cyprus and to respond to recent regional developments. The ministry stated that the deployment includes six F-16 fighter aircraft as well as air defence systems, though specific details about the type of systems or their locations were not disclosed.

The Turkish Defence Ministry said the decision was made after an Iranian drone struck a British air base in Cyprus last week. The ministry warned that Turkey could take additional measures if deemed necessary, stating, "We will not hesitate to take further steps to ensure the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and our own interests in the region."

Turkey is the only country that recognises the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a breakaway state in the northern part of the island. The rest of the international community considers northern Cyprus to be part of the Republic of Cyprus. The island has been divided since 1974, following a Turkish military intervention prompted by a coup backed by Greece.

The recent Iranian drone attack targeted the British Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri, which is located in the southern part of the island and is used by the UK for operations in the region. The incident has heightened tensions in the eastern Mediterranean, with Turkey expressing concerns over security threats in the area.

The Turkish Defence Ministry's statement emphasised Ankara's commitment to protecting both northern Cyprus and Turkish interests in the eastern Mediterranean, and reiterated that further deployments or actions could be taken depending on the evolving security situation.