Days after the island of Cyprus was hit by an Iranian Shahed drone, the island is witnessing a sudden militarisation, with reports emerging that Turkey was deploying six F-16 fighter jets to northern Cyprus, which is governed by Ankara.
This comes as France ordered frigate Languedoc to waters off Cyprus to bolster the European Union member country’s anti-drone and anti-missile defences. France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier is also expected to arrive in the Eastern Mediterranean in the coming days. French President Emmanuel Macron has also sent ground-based anti-drone and anti-missile defences to the island, besides paying a visit to the island.
According to a report by Turkish television network NTV, the planes are expected to arrive at a base in the north of the island as part of the initiative to increase Turkish military presence in the region, amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
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The island of Cyprus has been divided since 1974 into the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus (south) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) (north). Established in 1983, the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)" is recognised only by Türkiye.
Cyprus’ main air base is on its southwestern edge, where four Greek air force F-16s have already been deployed. A major ally and a nation which shares a cultural bond, Greece has also deployed two frigates - Kimon and Psara - to patrol off Cyprus’ southern coast. Warships from Italy, the Netherlands and Spain are expected in the coming days, while the UK destroyer Dragon will arrive next week.
Why Turkey is deploying its fighter jets
Turkey cites missiles fired from Iran and armed drones from Lebanon targeting the Eastern Mediterranean during the war as a main reason for deploying the F-16s. Ankara is also demonstrating that it is taking measures to ensure the security of the Turkish administration and society in northern Cyprus, which does not have its own warplanes and defence systems.
However, Turkey’s decision is viewed as a response to Greece's deployment of fighter jets to Cyprus in support of the Republic of Cyprus. Here, Turkey wants to imply that it also has a say in the island's protection. Ankara is concerned that the Republic of Cyprus has recently invested more in armaments and is trying to transform the island into a more militarised zone through regional alliances.
Turkey never deemed it important to deploy fighter jets to the island due to geographical proximity. However, it is now taking this step to balance the changing military dynamics in Cyprus.
The F-16s are also an answer to the statements made by Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias during his visit to the Republic of Cyprus on March 3. Dendias, known for his harsh rhetoric against Türkiye, stated during his visit that Greece's deployment of fighter jets to Cyprus created a favourable opportunity for Turkish troops to withdraw from the island.
