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Turkish Cypriot soldiers of the Security Forces Command perform during the 2007 Republic Day parade.

The Security Forces Command (Turkish: Güvenlik Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı, GKK)[8] is the military and security force of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a de facto state recognized only by Turkey.

It is a 15,000 strong force primarily made up of conscripted Turkish Cypriot males between the ages of 18 and 40. It is a combined arms force, with land, air and naval arms, plus police and fire elements.

This force is supplemented by the 17,500–30,000 strong Turkish military forces in Northern Cyprus stationed on the island.[9][10]

History

The Republic of Cyprus’ constitution provided for a bi-communal army (i.e. Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot) on a 60/40 per cent basis. The Cyprus army composed by both main Cypriot ethnic groups was created in 1960 yet was dismantled in the scope of the interethnic conflict 1963-4.[11] Since then, both communities have maintained their independent armed forces. Even before independence, the Turkish Cypriot community (and similarly the Greek Cypriot community) maintained its own paramilitary force (the Türk Mukavemet Teşkilatı or TMT), trained and equipped by the Turkish Army (ibid). In 1967 this force was renamed the Mücahit (“Mujahideen“), and in 1975 the Mücahit was renamed the Turkish Cypriot Security Force.[12] In 1974, Turkey led an invasion of Cyprus with the aim of protecting the Turkish minority population after a Greek-inspired coup brought a threat of union of the island with Greece. Since then there have been no major fighting in Cyprus and the island continues to be divided.

Organization

The Turkish Cypriot Security Force is under the command of an officer of the Turkish Army. The officer is appointed by the Turkish Armed Forces and holds the rank of major general, whereas the head of the Turkish military forces in Northern Cyprus holds a higher rank as lieutenant general.[12][13] According to observers a large part of its budget was covered by the Turkish army, upon which it depended for training and equipment. It is also believed that the majority of its officers came from the ranks of the Turkish Army officer corps on temporary leave from their regular duties and its operations were controlled by the Turkish army.[12]

A restricted military zone warning sign installed by the Security Forces Command (GKK) in Northern Cyprus. The sign prohibits entry and photography in Turkish, Greek, and English.

Structure

It includes 4 Infantry Regiments, one artillery battalion, Special Task Force Command and the Coast Guard Command, two regiments of which are expedition and the other two are mobile. In addition, the TRNC Police Organization is included in the Security Forces. The organization is as follows:

Combatant commands Support commands Headquarters service units
  • Main Branch & Mobilization Branch Directorate
  • Personnel Command
  • Intelligence Command
  • Operations Command
  • General Planning & Principles Command
  • Communications & IT Command
  • Press Office & Radyo Güven
  • TRNC Police School Directorate[18]
Turkish Cypriot Soldiers.

Media and Public Relations

The Security Forces Command operates its own institutional public media networks to maintain communication, broadcast official defense announcements, and provide cultural programming to the Turkish Cypriot community.[19] These media operations are structurally managed under the command’s press and public relations branches:[20]

  • Radio Güven (Radyo Güven): Established on 1 August 2002, it serves as the official radio broadcasting station of the command.[21] Operating via 5-kilowatt transmitters at Selvili Tepe, Kantara, and Atak Tepe, the station provides wide coverage across Cyprus and the southern coasts of Turkey.[22] It broadcasts news, public interest programs, and military recruitment announcements.[23]
  • Güven TV: The television broadcasting division of the command, which focuses on producing documentaries regarding military history, regional security updates, and national ceremonies in Northern Cyprus.[24][25]
80 class KKTCSG-01 at the Port of Famagusta

Strength

ÖGKK Commandos Passage Ceremony.

As of 2009, the strength of this force was believed to be about 9,000. It was organized into fifteen battalions in two brigades, infantry battalions armed with light weapons plus some artillery units equipped with mortars, ATGM’s and MANPADS[12]

Turkish Cyprus’s Coast Guard has 36 vessels.[26] The flagship fleet of the command consists of four main vessels of the Turkish Coast Guard Type 80 class (such as KKTC SG-01), which were constructed between 1997 and 2000 and have been in active service since 2000. In terms of armament, these vessels are equipped with one 40mm/70 caliber gun and two 12.7mm machine guns. The rest of the naval inventory is composed of fast attack crafts, rapid intervention boats, and dedicated search and rescue (SAR) vessels.[27]

In March, 2023, Turkish Cyprus’s Coast Guard started to operate TRNC SG-110 (BOĞAZ), TRNC SG-111 (LEFKE) and TRNC SG-112 (SERDARLI) modern assault boats.[28]

Equipment

The Security Forces Command (GKK) and its structurally attached division, the Police General Directorate (PGM), primarily utilize military hardware, small arms, and tactical vehicles supplied by or produced in cooperation with the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).[29]

Pistols

Name Image Type Origin Notes
Yavuz 16 Semi-automatic pistol Turkey Standard issue sidearm for military personnel and regular police officers. Produced by GİRSAN/MKE based on the Beretta 92 platform.[30]
Sarsılmaz SAR 9 Semi-automatic pistol Turkey Modern striker-fired polymer pistol, adopted as a next-generation standard sidearm for officers and frontline tactical units.[31]
Canik TP9 Semi-automatic pistol Turkey Widely deployed by the Police General Directorate (PGM) Special Operations (Özel Harekat) and VIP protection details.[32]

Small Arms

Name Image Type Origin Notes
Heckler & Koch G3 Battle rifle Turkey /

Germany

G3 Standard service rifle for conscripts. Manufactured by Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE). G3A7 and G3A7A1 variants in use. some fitted MKE T-40[33]
MKE MPT Assault rifle Turkey Modern service rifle utilized by professional personnel and officers. 76 and 55 variants in use. Also some marksman rifle variants.[34]
KCR-556 Assault rifle Turkey Modern 5.56mm assault rifle employed by specialized units and commando groups.[35]
HK33A4 Assault rifle Turkey /

Germany

Produced under license by MKE; used by frontline operational units.[36]
MP5 Submachine gun Turkey /

Germany

Standard submachine gun for police tactical units (Özel Harekat) and VIP security details. MP5A2, MP5A3, MP5SD3 and MP5K variants are in use.[37]
MG3 General-purpose machine gun Turkey /

Germany

Standard squad-level automatic weapon, produced under license by MKE.[38]
FN Minimi Light machine gun Belgium Utilized by special forces units (CSAR) for high-mobility squad fire support.[39]

Heavy Weapons and Guided Missiles

Name Image Type Origin Notes
MILAN Anti-tank guided missile France /

Germany

Main wire-guided anti-armor defense system deployed by infantry battalions.[40]
RPG-7 Rocket-propelled grenade Soviet Union Standard shoulder-fired anti-tank rocket launcher. Some PSRL-1 variants in use by SF units.[41]
M72 LAW Anti-tank weapon United States /

Turkey

Light, disposable anti-tank rocket launcher used for immediate armor defense. HAR66 variant in use.[42]
MKE Mortars Mortar Turkey 60mm commando, 81mm,HY-12 and 120mm caliber variants manufactured by MKE for indirect infantry fire support.[43]
FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS United States /

Turkey

Man-portable low-altitude air defense system, partially produced under license in Turkey by ROKETSAN.[44]
AGS-17 Automatic grenade launcher Soviet Union /

East Germany

30mm automatic grenade launcher mounted on Otokar Akrep armored vehicles, utilized by infantry battalions for heavy, rapid fire support.[45]

Vehicles and Aviation

Name Image Type Origin Notes
Otokar Land Rover Tactical vehicle Turkey /

United Kingdom

Built under license by Otokar. Widely used for border patrols, internal security, and command roles. Also some Engerek variants in use.[46]
Mercedes Unimog Military truck Turkey /

Germany

Produced by Mercedes-Benz Türk.[47]
BMC Tactical Trucks Military truck Turkey Heavy logistical trucks (such as BMC 185-09/245-16) used for troop movement and supply transport.[48]
BMC Vuran / BMC Amazon MRAP / Armored personnel carrier Turkey Mine-resistant armored vehicles deployed by tactical military units and the Police General Directorate (PGM) Special Operations (Özel Harekat) for internal security operations.[49]
Otokar Cobra & Akrep Infantry mobility vehicle Turkey Light armored vehicle used for reconnaissance, rapid response, and tactical police support. I & II variant in use.[50]
AS532 Cougar Utility helicopter France /

Turkey

Operated for tactical transport, search and rescue (CSAR), and medical evacuation, integrated within the GKK aviation wing in coordination with the Turkish Army KTBK command.[51]


Military ranks of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The Security Forces Command is structurally a division-sized formation comprising approximately 15,000 active personnel.[52] Since the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus does not possess its own independent military academy (Harbiye), its officer corps is trained in Turkey at the Turkish Military Academy. Consequently, the commander of the force traditionally holding the rank of Major General along with other high-ranking commanders and generals, are appointed directly from the cadres of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).[53]

In terms of military heraldry and uniform regulations, the rank insignia and design structure utilized by the Security Forces Command are historically modeled after the rank system used by the Turkish Armed Forces during the 1938–1947 period.[54][55]

Commissioned officer ranks

The rank insignia of commissioned officers.

Rank group General / flag officers Senior officers Junior officers
Northern Cypriot
Security Forces Command
Tümgeneral
(Major general) 		Tuğgeneral
(Brigadier general) 		Albay
(Colonel) 		Yarbay
(Lieutenant colonel) 		Binbaşı
(Major) 		Yüzbaşı
(Captain) 		Üsteğmen
(First lieutenant) 		Teğmen
(Second lieutenant) 		Asteğmen
(Sub-lieutenant)

Other ranks

The rank insignia of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel.

Rank group Senior NCOs Junior NCOs Enlisted
Northern Cypriot
Security Forces Command
 No insignia
Astsubay kıdemli baş çavuş
(Command sergeant major) 		Astsubay baş çavuş
(Sergeant major) 		Astsubay kıdemli üst çavuş
(Master sergeant) 		Astsubay üst çavuş
(Sergeant first class) 		Astsubay kıdemli çavuş
(Staff sergeant) 		Astsubay çavuş
(Sergeant) 		Çavuş
(Corporal) 		Onbaşı
(Lance corporal) 		Er
(Private)

Compulsory military service

Military service is compulsory for all male citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus under the framework of the TRNC Military Law (Askerlik Yasası).[56] Conscripts are generally called up for enlistment at the age of 18 or 19 after completing their secondary education.[57]

The duration of compulsory service varies based on the conscript’s educational qualifications:

  • Standard conscripts (those without a higher education degree) typically fulfill a service period of 15 months.[57]
  • University graduates have the option to serve as reserve officers (Asteğmen) for 12 months, or complete a shortened service of 8 months as standard conscripts.[58]

Special legal provisions exist for Turkish Cypriot citizens residing abroad. Under the paid military service (Bedelli askerlik) scheme, individuals who have lived and worked abroad for a legally specified duration can shorten their active service to a brief basic training period (typically a few weeks) by paying a designated exemption fee to the government.[59] Conscientious objection is currently not legally recognized under TRNC law, and failure to report for duty is subject to judicial penalties.[60]

See also

References

Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Country Studies. Federal Research Division.

Bibliography
  • Christopher Hitchens – Cyprus, Hostage to History: From the Ottomans to Kissinger
Notes
  1. ^ “Güvenlik Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı – Tarihçe”. mucahit.gov.ct.tr (in Turkish). Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  2. ^ “Güvenlik Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı – Tarihçe”. mucahit.gov.ct.tr (in Turkish). Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  3. ^ “Cyprus – Military and Security”. CIA World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  4. ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies (2026). The Military Balance 2026. Routledge. pp. Chapter on Non-State Groups and Recognized/Unrecognized Dependencies. ISBN 978-1-032-91344-5.
  5. ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies (2026). The Military Balance 2026. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-032-91344-5.
  6. ^ “TRNC Coast Guard Command”. Wikipedia. Retrieved 13 June 2026. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |note= ignored (help)
  7. ^ “Askerlik Yasası (73/1993)”. KKTC Mahkemeler Resmi Sitesi (in Turkish). Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  8. ^ “Güvenlik Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı”. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  9. ^ “Library of Congress”. Archived from the original on 11 August 2021. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
  10. ^ Turkey: A Country Study, p.350. Kessinger Publishing, 2004. ISBN 1-4191-9126-8
  11. ^ Efthymiou S.A. (2019) Nationalism, Militarism and Masculinity After the Construction of the Border. In: Nationalism, Militarism and Masculinity in Post-Conflict Cyprus. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-14702-0_2
  12. ^ a b c d Eric Solsten; Library of Congress. Federal Research Division (1993). Cyprus, a country study. Federal Research Division, Library of Congress. p. 232. ISBN 978-0-8444-0752-4. Although legally separate from the Turkish Army on the island, the Turkish Cypriot Security Force was believed to remain under the de facto operational control of the Turkish forces. It also depended on Turkey for training and equipment. Most of its officers were regular Turkish Army officers on secondment. Observers believed that many of its expenses were absorbed by the Turkish Army.
  13. ^ “KTBK Komutanlığı’na Korgeneral İsmail Serdar Savaş, GKK Komutanlığı’na Tüm General Baki Kavun atandı” (in Turkish). Kıbrıs Postası. 5 August 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  14. ^ “Özel Görev Kuvveti Komutanlığı – Güvenlik Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı”. www.mucahit.net. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
  15. ^ “Türkiye’den KKTC’ye ilk Bayraktar TB2 İHA indi”. BaykarSavunma (in Turkish). Retrieved 20 April 2021.
  16. ^ “KKTC Polis Genel Müdürlüðü – TRNC Police Headquarters – Araçlar”. Archived from the original on 28 March 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2025.
  17. ^ “KKTC Polis Genel Müdürlüğü – TRNC Police Headquarters – Branşlar”. www.polis.gov.ct.tr. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  18. ^ “KKTC Polis Genel Müdürlüğü – TRNC Police Headquarters – Branşlar”. www.polis.gov.ct.tr. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  19. ^ “Güvenlik Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı Kurulması Kanunu”. TRNC Assembly (Cumhuriyet Meclisi) (in Turkish). Retrieved 13 June 2026. The official establishment laws and institutional duties of the GKK include public communication rights.
  20. ^ Hatay, Ahmet (2015). The History of Broadcasting in Northern Cyprus. Kıbrıs Araştırmaları Merkezi. pp. 45–48.
  21. ^ “Radyo Güven Yayın Hayatına Devam Ediyor” (in Turkish). TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Dışişleri Bakanlığı). Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  22. ^ “Radyo Güven 21. kuruluş yıldönümünü kutluyor” (in Turkish). Bayrak Radyo Televizyon Kurumu (BRTK). 1 August 2023. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  23. ^ Soyer, S. (2018). “Media Structures and State Broadcasting in North Cyprus”. Journal of Cypriot Studies. 24 (2): 112–115.
  24. ^ “Güvenlik Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı Tarihçesi ve Yayın Organları”. Official Website of the Security Forces Command (in Turkish). Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  25. ^ “GKK Basın Bürosu ve Medya Faaliyetleri” (in Turkish). Kıbrıs Gazetesi. 15 November 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  26. ^ Ansamed, 04 June 2015 Archived 4 September 2021 at the Wayback Machine Northern Cyprus’ Coast Guard
  27. ^ NTVMSNBC 16.07.2000
  28. ^ Kibrispostasi, 20 March 2023 The commissioning ceremony of the boats supplied to the Coast Guard Command was held.
  29. ^ “Güvenlik Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı Teçhizat ve Envanter Yapısı”. Official Website of the Security Forces Command (in Turkish). Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  30. ^ Erturan, S. (2021). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Middle East Strategic Studies. p. 90.
  31. ^ Öztürk, M. (2023). “Modernization of Small Arms in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Security Forces”. Savunma ve Teknoloji (in Turkish). 15 (2): 34–37.
  32. ^ Öztürk, M. (2023). “Modernization of Small Arms in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Security Forces”. Savunma ve Teknoloji (in Turkish). 15 (2): 34–37.
  33. ^ Erturan, S. (2021). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Middle East Strategic Studies. p. 89.
  34. ^ Erturan, S. (2021). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Middle East Strategic Studies. p. 93.
  35. ^ Erturan, S. (2021). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Middle East Strategic Studies. p. 95.
  36. ^ Erturan, S. (2021). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Middle East Strategic Studies. p. 96.
  37. ^ Erturan, S. (2021). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Middle East Strategic Studies. p. 97.
  38. ^ Erturan, S. (2021). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Middle East Strategic Studies. p. 98.
  39. ^ Erturan, S. (2021). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Middle East Strategic Studies. p. 99.
  40. ^ “Military Parade Marks GKK Anniversary with Armor and Anti-Tank Systems”. BRTK. 1 August 2024. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  41. ^ Erturan, S. (2021). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Middle East Strategic Studies. p. 101.
  42. ^ Erturan, S. (2021). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Middle East Strategic Studies. p. 102.
  43. ^ “Artillery and Mortar Capabilities of the GKK”. Savunma ve Havacılık. 33 (4): 45. 2019.
  44. ^ Erturan, S. (2021). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Middle East Strategic Studies. p. 104.
  45. ^ Erturan, S. (2021). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Middle East Strategic Studies. p. 91.
  46. ^ Erturan, S. (2021). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Middle East Strategic Studies. p. 106.
  47. ^ “x.com”.
  48. ^ “Otokar ve BMC Araçlarının GKK Envanterindeki Yeri”. DefenceTurk. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  49. ^ “PGM Özel Harekat ve Güvenlik Takviyeleri Yeni Araçlarını Teslim Aldı”. Kıbrıs Gazetesi. 10 May 2023.
  50. ^ Erturan, S. (2021). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Middle East Strategic Studies. p. 107.
  51. ^ “Air Mobility and Helicopter Operations in Northern Cyprus”. Aviation & Aerospace International. 12. 2022.
  52. ^ “Security Forces Command (GKK) Structure and Strength”. Retrieved 14 June 2026.
  53. ^ Erturan, S. (2018). Armaments and Military Balance in the Levant. Levant Academic Press. pp. 112–115.
  54. ^ TRNC Security Forces Command Uniform and Insignia Regulations (Güvenlik Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı Kıyafet Yönetmeliği), Annex-A.
  55. ^ Dyer, Gwynne (1979). “Cyprus”. In Keegan, John (ed.). World armies. Sandhurst: Royal Military Academy. p. 162. ISBN 9780871964076. LCCN 79-9217. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  56. ^ Askerlik Yasası (Hukuk Dairesi) (in Turkish). Retrieved 14 June 2026.
  57. ^ a b “GKK Recruitment and Compulsory Service Regulations” (in Turkish). Security Forces Command. Retrieved 14 June 2026.
  58. ^ “TRNC Assembly passes new amendments to the Military Law”. Kıbrıs Postası. Retrieved 14 June 2026.
  59. ^ “Consular Services: Military Service Regulations for Citizens Residing Abroad”. TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 14 June 2026.
  60. ^ Human Rights Practices in Northern Cyprus (Report). US Department of State. 2025. Retrieved 14 June 2026.