An analysis published by Kathimerini, one of Greece’s leading newspapers, claimed that Türkiye’s deployment of F-16 fighter jets to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) could lead to controversy under the framework of US defense export legislation. The report stated that the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which govern the use, transfer and operational scope of US-made defense systems, are at the center of this debate. It was emphasized that F-16 fighter aircraft are included in the US Munitions List and are therefore among the military platforms subject to the strictest export controls.

Sources cited by Kathimerini, described as familiar with the legal background of the issue, argued that even after being delivered to another country, US-origin defense systems remain subject to certain usage restrictions. The report underlined the importance of “end-user and end-use” agreements, noting that deploying such systems in a different geography or assigning them to a different operational context could require prior approval from Washington. At the same time, the analysis suggested that Ankara could put forward several legal arguments in response to such criticism. According to the report, Türkiye may argue that it was one of the partner producers in the F-16 program and that, since the operational user of the aircraft has not changed, such a deployment should not technically be considered a “transfer.”

The article also included comments from Endy Zemenides, Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council, who argued that these defenses overlook Cyprus-specific sensitivities and the stricter ITAR interpretations that have historically been applied to the island. Kathimerini stressed that the matter is not only legal but also political and strategic. The analysis referred to views attributed to Damian Murphy, who worked during the drafting process of the EastMed Act in the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, claiming there are concerns that Türkiye is seeking to reshape the status quo in the Eastern Mediterranean to its advantage. Some experts cited in the report also alleged that Ankara aims to strengthen its military footprint in Northern Cyprus and send a message to both Nicosia and Athens that it possesses the capability to project air power from the island.

On the other hand, some sources in Washington were said to believe that such a move, if carried out without prior coordination with the US administration, could be viewed as highly provocative. However, the US State Department reportedly declined to comment on Kathimerini’s questions regarding the issue. The report also recalled a similar case in 2013, when the temporary deployment of Greek Patriot air defense systems to Southern Cyprus was allegedly discussed but did not materialize due to ITAR-related restrictions. In addition, it noted that the US arms embargo on Cyprus, first imposed in 1987, was partially eased after the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act adopted in 2020. According to Kathimerini, claims regarding Türkiye’s alleged deployment of F-16s to the TRNC have also triggered debate in the US Congress. The article stated that several members of Congress, including Chris Pappas, Dina Titus, Gus Bilirakis and Gregory Meeks, voiced concern and argued that the move could open a new legal and political dispute in relation to US law and the Cyprus issue.