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Anti-Drone System 'Şahin' for F-16 Protection in Occupied Cyprus

Published March 12, 2026, 09:11
Anti-Drone System 'Şahin' for F-16 Protection in Occupied Cyprus

Turkey has strengthened its air defense at the Tymbou airport in occupied Cyprus with the deployment of the 'Şahin' anti-drone system, developed by ASELSAN. The system is intended to protect the six F-16 fighter jets stationed in the area. 'Şahin' uses 40mm smart ammunition and is part of a broader effort to enhance air defense in the occupied territory. Turkish media reports suggest a possible integration of the region into the wider Turkish air defense system, but without official confirmation from Ankara. Turkey does not disclose the weapon systems it has deployed in occupied Cyprus for security reasons. Previously, Greek Cypriot media had reported that Turkey had included occupied Cyprus in the multi-layered national air defense system 'Steel Dome' and that 'Hisar' missile launchers had been deployed in Kyrenia, claims that have not been confirmed or denied.