Turkey is considering the deployment of four 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, Reuters reported citing sources at Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense.
Phased planning is reportedly underway to strengthen security in the Turkish-occupied area, with several options under evaluation, including the possible deployment of Turkish Air Force F-16 aircraft to the island.
The discussions come as Ankara conducts a broader security review prompted by recent regional developments, with the potential positioning of fighter aircraft forming part of that planning.
Report points to possible Turkey F-16 arrival in Northern Cyprus
According to a report by Cyprus Mail, four Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jets are expected to arrive at Ercan Airport on Sunday.
The reported move comes as Turkey seeks to reinforce its deterrence posture after a week of mounting security concerns. The report said the decision followed an incident on Monday, 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 builds across Cyprus
Following the strike on the British base, several countries have deployed military assets to Cyprus.
Greece sent four F-16 fighter jets on Monday evening. 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.
