Türkiye Weighs F-16 Deployment to Northern Cyprus

Türkiye’s Defense Ministry said deploying F-16 fighter jets to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is under consideration after drone incidents near British bases in southern Cyprus prompted Greece to send 2 F-16 jets and 2 frigates.

March 07, 2026Clash Report

It was emphasized that, following developments in the region, the deployment of F-16 aircraft to the island is being considered in order to ensure the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

In a statement made by sources from the Republic of Turkish Ministry of National Defense, it was said:

Within the scope of the latest developments, phased planning is being carried out to ensure the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The deployment of F-16 aircraft to the island is one of the matters being evaluated.

After an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) struck sovereign bases belonging to the United Kingdom in Southern Cyprus, and UAVs heading toward the bases yesterday were shot down by fighter aircraft, the security level in the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus was raised to the highest level, and Paphos Airport was temporarily evacuated.

Following the incidents, upon the request of the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, Greece announced that it would send 2 F-16 fighter aircraft and 2 frigates to Southern Cyprus.

According to the Greek Cypriot press, the two F-16 fighter aircraft arriving from Greece reached the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in the city of Paphos in the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus yesterday.