Amidst the worsening situation in the Middle East, Turkey has deployed fighter jets in North Cyprus. On Monday (March 9, 2026), Turkey’s Defense Ministry said that it has deployed six F-16 fighter jets in Northern Cyprus as security. This statement of the Turkish Defense Ministry has been issued after the drone attack on the island a few days ago.
In the statement, the Turkish Defense Ministry said, ‘In view of the recent developments in our region, since Monday, six F-16 fighter aircraft and air defense systems have been deployed to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).’ This statement is about the area which has been recognized by Ankara.
In recent times, European powers have stepped up military intervention on the ethnically divided island. This happened after the drone attack on the British Akrotiri Air Base in Cyprus last week. Security officials believe the drone was fired by Hezbollah, which is Iran’s ally in Lebanon.
Thousands of British Army personnel (also known as British Forces Cyprus) are deployed to the UK Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia in Cyprus. The Defense Ministry also said in the statement that this is part of the plan to strengthen the security system of the separated country.
The statement further said, ‘There will be an evaluation on the basis of development and whatever results emerge, necessary steps will be taken on that basis.’ The Turkish island does not recognize the Greek Cypriot administration, a member of the European Union, and is the only country to recognize the Turkish Cypriot state in the north.
Last week, NATO defense shot down a ballistic missile fired from Iran into Turkish airspace. Turkey has criticized the European deployment in Cyprus, saying it increases the risk of dragging the island into conflict.
