It is known that in the occupied territories of Cyprus, Turkey has had two air bases, the one at Lefkovo and the one at the airport of Tymbos for a long time.
In particular, the Lefkovo air base is used as a base for drones of various types and should be "seen" in relation to the port of Famagusta and the naval base under construction in Karpasia.
However, the operation of these Turkish bases in the occupied territories have so far not had the 'official cloak' of acceptance by the Pseudo-state, which has recently been the case with regard to the Lefkovo airport.
By decision of the parliament of the pseudo-state, the airport of Lefkovo becomes a Turkish military base in Cyprus
Specifically, the law on the official handover of operations of the northern Gecitkale (Lefkoniko) airport to the Turkish military was unanimously approved in the "parliament" of the pseudo-state on Monday, International media reports said:
"The airport has been used for military purposes since 2019, when a number of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) were parked there for the first time.
It is now expected that the airport will be converted into a military base.
Speaking to the "parliament", the leader of the opposition CTP party Tufan Erhurman made it clear that the airport will not host warplanes and that if Ercan (Tybu) airport is out of action for any reason, Gecitkale (Lefkoniko) can be used.
Previously, Turkey briefly placed six F-16 fighter jets at the airport in 1998 in response to Greece's placement of four F-16s and two Lockheed C-130 Hercules military aircraft at Paphos airport amid rising tensions between the two countries.
The airport was leased to former Polly Peck and Kibris Media Group owner Asil Nadir for the period between 2010 and 2023.
He had ambitions to turn the airport into a VIP and hub, but the "government" terminated their contract with him in January last year , citing non-payment of mandatory fees and "force majeure".
The 'force majeure' in question is a condition of a contract signed between the 'government' of the North and the Republic of Turkey in 2010 concerning the rights to use the airport.
The use of the Lefkovo military base against Cyprus - Greece - Israel
Now officially the airport of Lefkovo, as Turkey's military base in Cyprus, can be used both in peace and in war to serve Ankara's interests and aspirations against Cyprus and Greece in the SE Mediterranean and against Crete and the Dodecanese.
First of all, the Turks can use Lefkogenou to make a significant reinforcement of the occupation forces before operations, since it is within the artillery range of the National Guard.
In addition, it is a highly advanced base for supporting aerial operations in the SE Mediterranean either through drones operating from it or fighter aircraft.
Finally, the base of Lefkonikos can be used as a base for the Turkish Air Force's flying tankers, from which Turkish fighter jets can be refueled, which will be able to operate against Crete and the Dodecanese islands continuously.
Apart from the above, Turkey can now threaten other countries or act as a deterrent, such as Israel to rush to support Cyprus.
From a geostrategic point of view, we would say that with the Turkish military base of Lefkogenou, the "neighbours" are consolidating the perception of the "Blue Homeland" by upgrading their position in the SE Mediterranean.
The Greece-Cyprus mate moves
The official transfer of the Lefkovo airport to Turkey for use as a military base in Cyprus is a clear proof that Erdogan has no chance to accept the existence of a state on the basis of a bi-zonal and bi-communal federation as a solution to the Cyprus problem, but remains firmly committed to the creation of two states on the island.
Both Cyprus and Greece should be fully aware of this and should take appropriate action as soon as possible.
These should, in our assessment, consist of two pillars.
The first concerns the fastest possible defence armouring of Cyprus, with the initial purchase by Cyprus of fighter aircraft, frigates, submarines, anti-submarines and anti-aircraft missiles.
However, the above located in Cyprus will be within range of Turkish artillery, drones, missiles and fighter aircraft of Turkey.
A solution to this problem can be provided by Greece, with the second pillar of action, which is the establishment of Cypriot air bases in our country, specifically in Crete and South Peloponnese, following an inter-state agreement.
This move requires either on the part of Greece or on the part of Cyprus the supply of aerial refuelling aircraft, with Greek Belhara frigates and RAFALE fighters "filling" the sea area of Kastelorizo-Cyprus-Crete-Rhodes-Castelorizo.
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