Cyprus airspace sees increased F-16 activity from Greece and Turkey

Increased military activity involving F-16 fighter jets from Greece and Turkey has become a frequent occurrence in the skies over Cyprus, causing growing concern among the Greek Cypriot population in areas such as Nicosia, Larnaca, and Paphos.

The escalation follows a request by Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides for Greek military support following an incident involving an Iranian drone at the British Sovereign Base Area of Akrotiri. In response, Greece deployed four F-16s to the island on March 2, which was followed by Turkey deploying six F-16s on March 9.

Reports indicate that Greek F-16s are operating from the Andreas Papandreou air base in Paphos, while Turkish F-16s are taking off from Ercan Airport. The presence of these aircraft is expected to continue, with rotations of crews and planes underway and Greek F-16s slated to remain on the island through May.