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Turkish Air Force (TurAF) jets conducted a training flight south of Cyprus and over the Mediterranean, Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense (MoND) announced Monday, describing the exercise as part of ongoing efforts to protect Turkish rights and interests in the region.
"Steel Wings in the skies of the Mediterranean! Our activities aimed at protecting our country's rights and interests in the Mediterranean, developing our operational capabilities, and keeping our units' readiness level at the highest standard continue with determination," the ministry said in a post on X, accompanied by footage of the flight.
"A comprehensive training flight was successfully carried out south of Cyprus Island and in the international airspace of the Mediterranean, with the participation of combat and support aircraft that took off from various bases under our Air Force Command," the statement noted.
The exercise came as the Greek Cypriot administration prepared to publicly display, for the first time, the Israeli-made Barak MX air defense system it has acquired, during a military parade on Oct. 1.
Greek Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas said this year's parade would be more extensive than usual and would showcase new military systems recently added to the Greek Cypriot National Guard's inventory.
"It will be an upgraded parade to honor our Independence Day," Palmas said, describing the event as a showcase for the National Guard's latest acquisition.
The Barak MX, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), was procured by the Greek Cypriot administration under a 2024 deal that has not been fully disclosed. It remains unclear how many systems were purchased or whether the units are export-modified versions.
Greek media have reported the systems will be stationed at Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos.
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Greek Cyprus had initially sought Israel's Iron Dome system before opting for the more advanced Barak MX.
Turkish diplomatic and security sources have said Israel's growing activities in southern Cyprus, including property acquisitions along the coast and deepening cooperation with Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration, are being closely monitored by Ankara.
"Israel's activities in Cyprus are being closely monitored. It is not possible for the balances in the Mediterranean to change. All necessary measures are being taken," the sources told Türkiye daily.
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