Turkey expands radar surveillance system in north amid Iran crisis

The establishment of a maritime traffic monitoring network and the expansion of air defence systems in the north was announced by Ankara on Tuesday, heightening regional security concerns.

Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said three monitoring stations have been completed at Karpasia, Livera and Ayios Theodoros, with a central control facility under construction in Famagusta.

“We have completed the construction of monitoring stations at three different locations. Factory acceptance tests of the software have also been completed. We aim for it to become operational in the second half of 2026,” he affirmed.

The system will integrate automatic identification system and radar data, enabling 24-hour monitoring of maritime traffic between Turkey and the north, supporting vessel identification and emergency response.

Uraloglu emphasised the project, developed entirely with Turkish domestic software, strengthens Ankara’s presence in the Levant and advances the Blue Homeland (Mavi Vatan) doctrine.

The radar network links to existing military infrastructure, including the Lefkoniko airport used for unmanned aerial vehicles and the planned naval base at Bogazi.

Turkey has also deployed six F-16 fighter jets in response to Greece’s own jets and military equipment being brought to Cyprus following a series of drone threats.

Ankara has further established an advanced air defence system in the north, described as part of a Steel Dome network, enhancing surveillance and targeting capabilities over Cyprus.

In response to Turkey’s F-16 deployment, President Nikos Christodoulides condemned Turkey’s actions as “a continuation of its occupation”, stressing that the country’s forces remain a “significant presence” on the island.