Cyprus, Nicosia

Turkish drones will be stationed at Geçitkale Airport

18.02.2024 / 19:23

The General Assembly of the TRNC has decided to station Turkish UAVs at Geçitkale Airport. Thus, the second airport in Northern Cyprus has officially become a center for the deployment of Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles.

According to experts, by deciding to deploy drones in Northern Cyprus, Ankara has sent "a clear signal not only to the Greek side but also to all forces with plans in the region." It is emphasized that the equation will change even more with the possible establishment of a military naval base in the TRNC.

It is reported that on December 16, 2019, a Turkish UAV, departing from Dalaman, landed at Geçitkale Airport in the TRNC. After a hiatus of more than four years, the TRNC Assembly gave the necessary permission for Geçitkale Airport to host Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles.

Recall that at the end of January 2023, the TRNC General Assembly unanimously approved the law on the transfer of Geçitkale Airport to the Peacekeeping Forces of Turkey in Cyprus (KTBKK).

It is reported that after the transfer to the military, Geçitkale could be used as a backup airport for safe flights if the main air harbor in the TRNC - Ercan - is disabled for any reason. The airport can also be used for air sports.