The recent UK-Turkey defence agreement, which includes the sale of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Ankara, has sparked strong criticism from the British Cypriot community, who warn of serious risks to regional stability.
In a formal letter to UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps, the British Cypriot Council expressed “serious concerns” about the political and military consequences of the deal, highlighting Turkey’s ongoing aggression in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Council called for guarantees that the fighter jets will not be used against NATO allies, particularly Greece and Cyprus, and voiced fears that technology transfers linked to the deal could strengthen Turkey’s domestic fighter jet programme, shifting the balance of power in the region.
The letter also reminded the UK Government that 37% of Cyprus remains under Turkish occupation since the 1974 invasion, in which air power played a crucial role. Against this backdrop, the Council urged London to clarify the terms of the agreement, conduct a full risk assessment, and ensure that cooperation with Ankara does not undermine the security of Greece, Cyprus, or other allies.
The deal, announced last month, comes amid growing concerns in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean about Turkey’s regional ambitions and its ongoing disputes with Greece and Cyprus.
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