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As tensions escalate across the Middle East following the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran, Türkiye is set to send six F-16 fighter jets to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as early as tomorrow morning, according to a senior civil aviation official on the island.
Askin Meseli, acting director of the TRNC Civil Aviation Department, confirmed the deployment, stating that the aircraft would be stationed on the island for security purposes. Meseli added that the arrival of the jets would not disrupt civilian air traffic.
The move comes after the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on the last day of February, prompting Tehran to retaliate by targeting countries in the region that host American military bases. The ensuing hostilities have sent shockwaves through the broader Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.
The deployment did not come entirely without warning. Sources within Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense had indicated in recent days that contingency planning was underway.
"Phased plans are being drawn up to ensure the security of the TRNC in light of recent developments," the ministry sources said at the time, adding that "the stationing of F-16 aircraft on the island is among the options being evaluated."
Authorities stressed that the military deployment would have no impact on civilian aviation operations in Turkish Cyprus.
The six F-16s are expected to arrive during morning hours Monday.
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