Georgian rescue teams locate wreckage; investigation into the cause of the crash is underway
A Turkish Air Force C-130 military transport aircraft crashed on Tuesday (11) near the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan, according to an official statement from the Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB). The aircraft had departed from the city of Ganja, Azerbaijan, bound for Turkey.
According to the MSB, search and rescue operations are being conducted in coordination with Georgian and Azerbaijani authorities. The ministry reported that radar contact with the aircraft was lost just minutes after it entered Georgian airspace.
Rescue teams reach the wreckage
In an update issued at 8:13 p.m. local time, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense confirmed that Georgian rescue teams reached the crash site around 5:00 p.m. The area has been secured for the arrival of the Turkish accident investigation team, which is already en route to the site.
The official statement added that the cause of the crash will be determined following a detailed analysis of the wreckage by the Turkish technical team.
Georgian authorities confirm crash and open investigation
The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that the aircraft went down in the Signagi region, about 5 kilometers from the Azerbaijani border, and confirmed the launch of an investigation into the incident.
The Georgian Air Navigation Administration stated that radar contact with the aircraft was lost shortly after entering Georgian airspace and that no emergency signal was transmitted before the crash.
Flight route and aircraft background
The crashed C-130 had conducted several flights between Turkey and Azerbaijan in recent days as part of the Karabakh Victory celebrations. Turkish F-16s participated in official ceremonies in Ganja, and personnel and equipment transport had been taking place regularly via the Georgian route.
Recent C-130 flights:
November 8: Sivas–Ganja, Ganja–Istanbul, Istanbul–Kayseri
November 10: Kayseri–Ganja, Ganja–Kayseri
November 11: Shoulder-Chest (fight flash)
Debate over Turkey’s C-130 fleet
Following the crash, online discussions arose concerning the age of Turkey’s C-130 fleet, which has been in service for roughly 50 years. Experts note that the aircraft undergo continuous maintenance and remain in sound structural condition. Nonetheless, Turkey has already begun acquiring the more modern C-130J variant, similar to those operated by the United Kingdom.
President Erdoğan’s statement
During the Urbanism Summit, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan commented on the crash:
“We have learned with deep sorrow that our military aircraft, a C-130 coming from Azerbaijan to our country, crashed on the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan. Our efforts continue in coordination with the relevant authorities. May Allah have mercy on our martyrs, and I hope we emerge from this tragedy with minimal losses.”
Reactions and condolences from Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called Erdoğan to express condolences:
“We are deeply shocked by the news that soldiers lost their lives in the crash of the Turkish military aircraft. I share your grief during this difficult time and extend my heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people of Turkey.”
Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov also sent a message to Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, expressing sorrow and offering assistance.
Ongoing investigation
The cause of the accident has not yet been determined. The Turkish investigation team is expected to begin analyzing the wreckage in the coming hours, with the participation of Georgian and Azerbaijani authorities.
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Source and images: SavunmaSanayiST.com | Turkish Ministry of National Defense | Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
