Turkey deploys F-16 jets and air defenses to Northern Cyprus

Turkey deployed six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems to Northern Cyprus on Monday to strengthen security on the island as tensions rise across the region amid the war involving Iran, the Turkish defense ministry said.

“In the context of the latest developments in our region, six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems have been deployed to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as of today,” the ministry said in a statement. It added that the move was part of phased planning to strengthen the security of the breakaway territory.

The ministry said Ankara could take additional steps depending on developments. “As a result of the evaluations to be made depending on the developments, additional measures will continue to be taken if necessary,” the statement said.

Security concerns on the island have increased after an Iranian drone, which security officials believe was fired by Hezbollah, struck the British Akrotiri air base in Cyprus last week. The incident came as the conflict between Iran and Israel and the United States widened across the region.

European countries have recently increased military deployments to the island in response to the growing tensions. Turkey has criticized these moves, warning that additional European forces could risk drawing Cyprus further into the conflict.

The island of Cyprus has been divided for decades between the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot administration in the south, a member of the European Union, and the Turkish Cypriot north, which is recognized only by Ankara.

Regional tensions have also affected Turkey directly. Last week, NATO air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Iran that entered Turkish airspace, in what officials described as a significant escalation in the broader conflict. Ankara warned Iran on Saturday against launching further missiles toward Turkish territory.