A notice to airmen (Notam) has been issued warning of a planned Russian naval exercise in Cyprus, scheduled to take place off the island’s east coast and between Cyprus and Russia’s Tartus naval base on Syria’s Mediterranean coast.
Notam issued for April firing exercises
The Notam states that Russian authorities have notified that the exercise will involve live firing on various dates throughout April, between 5 am and 3 pm. The notice cautions that “this area is dangerous for navigation”. A Notam provides essential information for personnel involved in flight operations.
Tartus base continues Russian presence
Russia, and previously the Soviet Union, has maintained the Tartus naval base since 1971. Despite some predictions that Russia would withdraw following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2024, the base remains operational. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in October confirmed that Syria respects its agreements with Russia, implying continued operation of Tartus and the nearby Khmeimim airbase.
Regional tensions heighten with Turkish and US operations
The Russian Notam comes amid a series of recent notices issued by Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot authorities concerning military activities by Turkey and the United States. These Notams, which remain in force until Sunday, cover the skies above the north’s Ercan (Tymbou) airport and waters off the Karpas peninsula.
The initial Notam was issued by the Cypriot civil aviation authority, reportedly at the request of the United States. Turkish Cypriot authorities countered with their own Notam, urging aircraft to “take maximum precautions” and coordinate with air traffic units. A Turkish defence ministry spokesman later declared the first Notam “null and void”.
Meanwhile, F-16 fighter jets have operated from Ercan (Tymbou) airport, and reports of possible missile fire off Platanissos village last month were dismissed by the Turkish government, which confirmed no exercises had taken place in Cypriot waters.
Also read: Hulusi Akar warns Cyprus: “This will be your last Easter”
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