Greek F-16 fighter jets and a French C-130 transport aircraft were spotted on Thursday over the Kition-Perivolia area, causing alarm among residents, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas told CNA.
Citizens reported fighter jet and transport aircraft flights over the area, sparking concern as several residents believed the jets were Turkish F-16s.
Palmas said the aircraft were in fact Greek F-16s, which, under the relevant protocol, fly from the “Andreas Papandreou” air base in Paphos. The fighter jets carry out low-altitude flights on the Paphos–Troodos–Larnaca route as part of activities provided for under their protocols, according to the minister.
On the transport aircraft, Palmas said a French C-130 departed from Larnaca airport as part of routine activity.
Asked more broadly whether violations of the Republic of Cyprus’s airspace are recorded, the Defence Minister said it is well known that violations by Turkish F-16s occur frequently. He added that whenever such violations are recorded, the Republic of Cyprus takes appropriate steps through the competent state services.
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