Turkish fighter jets scorch the skies of Cyprus in a warning display to Israel

The Turkish Air Force completed a large-scale aerial exercise south of Cyprus, described as a warning display to Israel. The drill comes against the backdrop of the 'Achilles Shield' deal between Israel and Greece and Cyprus's equipping with Barak systems. The Turkish Defense Ministry stated that the goal is to protect Turkey's interests in the Mediterranean.

The Turkish Air Force completed a comprehensive aerial exercise south of Cyprus and in international airspace, described as a direct warning display to Israel. The drill involved fighter jets and support aircraft launched from various bases. The Turkish Defense Ministry stated that the goal is 'protection of Turkey's interests in the Mediterranean.' The timing of the drill comes amid the 'Achilles Shield' deal worth approximately 3 billion euros between Israel and Greece, under which Israel will establish an advanced multi-layered air defense system. Meanwhile, the Cypriot military has received and begun operating the Israeli BARAK MX system. Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas stated that Cyprus, Greece, and Israel face a common security threat stemming from Turkey. The Turkish aerial activity underscores the vigilance with which Erdogan's regime monitors the Israeli-Greek-Cypriot defense axis.