PSEKA initiates demand for removal of F16s from occupied Cyprus.

Pappas Statement on Turkey F-16 Deployment to Cyprus

March 12, 2026 Press Release

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, released the following statement on Turkey’s decision to send U.S.-made F-16s to the occupied areas of northern Cyprus:

“Turkey’s deployment of F-16s into northern Cyprus is unacceptable and illegal under U.S. law. This move further threatens Cyprus’s sovereignty and only serves to further destabilize one of our closest allies and the entire region. President Erdogan has repeatedly ignored U.S. legal prohibitions and is emboldened to do so because administrations of both parties have rewarded or ignored this behavior rather than enforcing the law. Turkey’s decision to again ignore our laws and violate the sovereignty of one of our allies, especially in the middle of a volatile regional conflict, underscores how unreliable President Erdogan is and why it is crucial the administration not repeat the mistakes of the past. Turkey must immediately withdraw their F-16s and any other U.S.-made platforms. If the administration doesn’t demand their withdrawal, I will work with my colleagues in Congress to address the situation ourselves.”