Ankara sends six F-16s and air defences to Northern Cyprus following a drone strike, as regional tensions escalate and France boosts its military presence.

ANKARA: Turkey has deployed six F-16 fighter jets and air defence systems to Northern Cyprus.

The defence ministry announced the move as a security measure following recent regional developments.

It stated the aircraft were sent to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a state recognised only by Ankara.

The deployment coincides with a planned visit to the divided island by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Cyprus’s Greek Cypriot south currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.

The island was struck by an Iranian-made drone last week, hitting a British military base.

Nicosia said the drone was likely fired by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon, not Iran itself.

The attack was part of regional retaliations following US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

In response, several European nations pledged to send air defences and military assets to Cyprus.

Macron also ordered the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Mediterranean.

A French frigate and air defence units were additionally dispatched to the island.

 The Sun Malaysia