Turkey is considering deploying F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus as part of security planning for the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north of the island, a defense ministry source said on Saturday.
The potential deployment would involve F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and is among several steps being examined by Turkish authorities.
As reported in Reuters, according to the source, the measure is being discussed as part of phased planning designed to ensure the security of the Turkish Cypriot administration.
The discussions come as tensions and conflict continue to spread across the wider region, prompting Ankara to assess additional security measures.
Greece Rejects Turkish Claims on Aegean Islands
Athens recently rejected Turkish objections to the deployment of a Patriot air defense system on the island of Karpathos, calling Ankara’s claims about the demilitarization of Aegean islands legally baseless. Greek Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Lana Zochiou said the status of the eastern Aegean islands is governed by international treaties, including the Treaty of Lausanne, the Montreux Convention and the Paris Peace Treaty.
Turkey, however, has revived claims that the islands should remain demilitarized, arguing their status under the same treaties is not open to discussion. Turkish officials have also pointed to Cyprus, saying Turkish Cypriots are capable of ensuring their own security with Ankara’s support.
