Turkey is establishing a maritime traffic surveillance network in the occupied north of Cyprus, including three monitoring stations and a central control facility in Famagusta, according to an announcement by Turkish transport and infrastructure minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
The move comes at a time of heightened military activity in the eastern Mediterranean, with geopolitical developments placing Cyprus increasingly at the centre of regional security dynamics.
The development follows the recent deployment of Turkish F-16 fighter jets and air defence systems in the occupied areas, part of what appears to be a broader effort by Ankara to strengthen its military and strategic presence in the region.
Monitoring maritime traffic between Turkey and Cyprus
In a written statement, Uraloğlu said construction of the three monitoring stations in the occupied part of the island had been completed as part of the “Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services Project.”
Initial acceptance tests of the system have already taken place, while work continues on equipment procurement and software development.
“We have completed the construction of monitoring stations at three different locations. Factory acceptance tests of the software have also been completed. We are continuing the supply of equipment and the development of the system and aim for it to become operational in the second half of 2026,” the Turkish minister said.
According to Uraloğlu, the project will allow Turkey to monitor maritime traffic in the sea area between the Turkish coast and the waters surrounding the northern part of Cyprus.
He added that the system will strengthen Turkey’s presence in the eastern Mediterranean and protect the country’s interests in line with the doctrine known as the “Blue Homeland.”
The minister also said the system will operate using software developed entirely in Turkey, which he argued would contribute to the country’s technological autonomy in the sector.
Three stations and control centre in Famagusta
The project is being implemented by Turkey’s general directorate of maritime affairs, with the defence technology company HAVELSAN acting as the contractor.
Installation work is currently underway for a Vessel Traffic Services control centre in Famagusta, while the monitoring stations themselves have been completed at Karpasia, Livera and Agios Theodoros in the Famagusta district.
The system will integrate data from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) station at Kyparissovouno, as well as AIS and radar data from the Kantara area.
A backup remote operations system will also be installed at the Vessel Traffic Services centre in Mersin, Turkey.
Round-the-clock monitoring of maritime traffic
The monitoring stations will be equipped with radars, cameras, communication systems and AIS technology, enabling 24-hour continuous monitoring of maritime traffic.
The system will allow authorities to immediately detect vessels entering the service area, with data transmitted simultaneously to the control centre in the occupied north and the corresponding centre in Mersin.
According to the Turkish minister, the system will also support ship identification, maritime traffic management, warning messages to vessels and monitoring of sensitive sea areas.
It will further assist authorities in responding to accidents, fires and other emergencies, while also contributing to efforts to combat smuggling and provide meteorological information to vessels when required.