A critical step has been taken in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to transform Geçitkale airport into a military base, opened for the use of UAVs (Unmanned aerial vehicle) and UCAVs (Unmanned combat aerial vehicle).
The Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı, who was authorized on the signing of a protocol said that Geçitkale Airport will be a military base. “I will sign the protocol in the most honorable way,” he said.
The TRNC Council of Ministers has canceled the contract on Geçitkale Airport, for businessman Asil Nadir who had the tenure.
Taking an important historical step, it was decided that the area where the UAVs and UCAVs were placed will be handed over to the Turkish soldiers.
The authority of the area to be transferred to the Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces Command belongs to the Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Erhan Arıklı.
“I will sign the protocol in the most honorable way”
Speaking to TRT news, Arıklı emphasized that Geçitkale airport will be a military base and that it was a belated step taken.
Minister Arıklı drew attention to the fact that the Greek Cypriots have given bases and military facilities to countries that harbor hostility towards Türkiye; “I will sign the protocol in the most honorable way,” he said.
Minister Arıklı also noted that necessary steps will be taken to give Türkiye a naval base too and that this will be done without hesitation if such a request comes”.
