Turkish Cypriot President Tufan Erhürman has defended Turkey’s deployment of F-16 fighter jets to northern Cyprus, dismissing criticism from the Greek Cypriots and warning that growing militarization around the island risks further instability.
Speaking to the state-run Anadolu news agency on Thursday, Erhürman said the deployment was a legitimate response to increased military activity in the region following the escalation of conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.
Turkey’s Defense Ministry said earlier this month that six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems were sent to northern Cyprus after a drone strike hit a British base on the island, as tensions escalated following a February 28 military offensive launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, which triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region.
Erhürman said criticism from the Greek Cypriot administration was unfounded, stressing that Turkey is one of the guarantor powers of Cyprus under the 1960 agreements.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey intervened following a Greek-backed coup. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC), declared in 1983, is recognized only by Ankara.
“What status do France or the Netherlands have when it comes to the island?” Erhürman asked, questioning the presence of other foreign military forces and their legal basis.
Tensions on the island have increased in recent weeks following a buildup of foreign military assets after the drone strike on March 2. France deployed its Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean, while several European countries announced additional naval and air defense support for Cyprus.
Erhürman also warned that increasing military shipments to southern Cyprus risk turning the island into a “weapons hub” and could damage its image as a safe destination, particularly for tourism.
“I do not believe that the military assets brought here at the invitation of the Greek Cypriot administration will be permanent, and I state clearly that they should not be,” he said.
The northern Cypriot president also criticized efforts by the Greek Cypriot administration to build regional alliances, including closer cooperation with Greece and Israel, saying such moves have not improved security and may instead heighten tensions.
A trilateral agreement between the Republic of Cyprus, Greece and Israel finalized in December includes expanded military coordination and joint exercises, adding another layer to the island’s evolving security landscape.