Turkey Deploys Six F-16 Fighter Jets to Northern Cyprus

Turkey has deployed six F-16 fighter jets and air defence systems to Northern Cyprus to bolster security for the Turkish community there, amid the ongoing conflict between the United States-Israel alliance and Iran. The Turkish government has stated it will take additional measures if required.

European nations have increased military deployments to the island in recent days following an Iranian drone strike, which security officials say was fired by Hizbullah, an Iran-aligned militant group based in Lebanon, on a British airbase in Cyprus last week.

“In light of recent developments in our region, six F-16 fighter jets and air defence systems have been deployed to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as of today,” the Turkish Defence Ministry said in a statement, according to Al Arabiya and Reuters on Monday, 9 March 2026. The ministry added that this is part of a phased plan to strengthen the nation’s security.

“As a result of evaluations that will be conducted depending on developments, additional measures will continue to be taken if necessary,” it added.

Last week, NATO air defences shot down a ballistic missile launched from Iran into Turkish airspace, marking a significant escalation in the US-Israel war against Iran that has spread to a wider region. Turkey, a NATO member, warned Iran on Saturday to cease firing missiles in its direction.

The Turkish government has criticised European military deployments to Cyprus as risky steps that could drag the island into the conflict.