Greece to Maintain Rotational F-16 Presence in Southern Cyprus

According to Greek state broadcaster ERT, the Greek Ministry of National Defence has approved the sustained presence of F-16s in Southern Cyprus, with pilots and aircraft rotating regularly to ensure uninterrupted deployment.

The decision was taken during a recent meeting of the Greek National Security Council (Kysea), the report said. The jets will continue operating from the Paphos base on a rotational schedule.

Greek newspaper Proto Thema reported that two F-16 aircraft will be stationed in Paphos, while the Greek frigate Elli continues operations off the Cyprus coast. It also noted that the frigates Kimon and Psara had previously been deployed to the region.

The deployment comes amid increased military activity in the Eastern Mediterranean following the outbreak of war in the Middle East, with several countries increasing naval and air presence around Cyprus. France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have also reportedly sent naval assets to the area.

The report further claims that both Greece and Turkey deployed F-16 aircraft to Cyprus following a drone incident targeting the British Akrotiri base in March. It alleges that Turkey has positioned six F-16 jets at Ercan Airport, which remain in the region.

Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis questioned the legal basis of Turkey’s deployment, arguing that Turkish aircraft are not permitted to engage in “offensive operations outside the country.” Greece’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lana Zochiou, meanwhile, described Greece’s own deployments as purely defensive.

Turkey’s ruling AK Party spokesperson Ömer Çelik responded by stating that Ankara must consider the security of the TRNC.

In related remarks, President Tufan Erhürman was quoted as saying that there is “almost no empty space left” in the waters around the island due to the growing military presence.