Athens, Greece. Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis questioned the legality of Turkey’s decision to deploy six F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus, saying their use for offensive actions outside Turkey is prohibited.
Greek government response
Marinakis said the invasion and occupation of the northern part of Cyprus is illegal and does not legitimise any presence of a military force on the island. He also said the F-16s are prohibited from being used for offensive actions outside the country by the US supply contract.
Recent deployments and statements
Turkey’s deployment came a week after Greece deployed four F-16s to Paphos after an Iranian-made drone hit Cyprus’ British Akrotiri air force base. Greece’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Lana Zochiou said Greece’s deployment was purely defensive, while Omer Celik, spokesman for Turkey’s ruling AK Party, said Turkey had to consider the security of the TRNC.
Confidence-building visit
After the arrival of the Greek F-16s, Turkey did not lodge a protest. Turkey’s defence ministry spokesman Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk announced that a delegation from the Greek air force would visit Turkey. Akturk later confirmed the delegation spent three days at the headquarters of Turkey’s air force within the framework of confidence-building measures.
Additional military assets
Turkey has also deployed Hisar-A surface-to-air missiles to the island, and Turkish newspaper Sabah reported that Bayraktar Akinci and Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat drones are stationed in Cyprus. Greece sent two frigates, including the Kimon, which Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described during his visit to the island as the pride of the Greek fleet, to Cypriot waters.
What impact could the recent deployments have on security in and around Cyprus?