Turkish Air Force#Initial stages

{{use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}

{{Short description|Air forces of the Turkish military}}

{{Infobox military unit

| unit_name = Turkish Air Force

| native_name = {{lang|tr|Türk Hava Kuvvetleri}}

| image = Seal of the Turkish Air Force.svg

| image_size = 210px

| caption = Emblem of the Turkish Air Force

| start_date = * {{ubl|1 June 1911|({{Age in years and months|1911|06|01}})}}{{small|(as the Ottoman Empire Aviation Squadrons)}}

  • 23 April 1920 (Turkish Air Force)
  • 31 January 1944 (Turkish Air Force Command, corps scale) {{Cite web|url=https://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/Error/NotFound?aspxerrorpath=/TR/IcerikDetay.aspx|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426174749/http://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/TR/IcerikDetay.aspx?ID=23|url-status=dead|title=Sunucu Hatası|archivedate=26 April 2011|website=www.hvkk.tsk.tr}}
  • 1 July 1949 (Turkish Air Force Command, army scale) 1949 Temmuzunda Türk Silâhlı Kuvvetleri yeniden örgütlendirilerek, Genelkurmay Başkanlığına bağlı Kara, Deniz, Hava Kuvvetleri kuruldu., Genelkurmay Başkanlığı, Türk Tarihi, Silahlı Kuvvetleri ve Atatürkçülük, Genelkurmay Başkanlığı, 1973, [https://books.google.com/books?id=vI1EAAAAMAAJ&q=%22Kara,+Deniz,+Hava+Kuvvetleri+kuruldu%22 p. 65.] {{in lang|tr}}

| country = {{TUR}}

| allegiance =

| branch =

| type = Air force

Space force

| role = Aerial warfare
Space warfare

| size = 50,000 personnel (2024){{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=February 13, 2024 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1032780047 |edition=1st |pages=149}}
294 aircraft
3 satellites{{cn|date=December 2024}}

| command_structure = TAF

| garrison = Çankaya, Ankara

| garrison_label = Headquarters

| nickname =

| patron =

| motto =

| colours = {{plainlist|

  • {{color box|#8e8e8e}} Grey
  • {{color box|#FFFFFF}} White
  • {{color box|#1F305E}} Delft Blue

}}

| colours_label =

| march = Turkish Air Force March {{audio|Turkish Air Force March, August 2013.ogg|Play}}

| mascot = EagleThe Eagle (Double-headed eagle), which has an important place in Turkic mythology and is also the national symbol of the Seljuk Empire, has been adopted by the Turkish Air Force since its establishment.{{cite web|url=https://www.soloturk.tsk.tr/Custom/SoloTurk/157#:~:text=SOLOTÜRK'ün%20üzerinde%2C%20tarih%20boyunca,yapılandırılmış%20bir%20ayrıntısı%20yer%20almaktadır.|title=SOLOTÜRK Tasarımının Öyküsü|publisher=SoloTürk|access-date=23 March 2023|language=tr|trans-title=SOLOTÜRK Tasarımının Öyküsü}}

| anniversaries = 1 June{{cite web|url=http://kokpit.aero/hava-kuvvetleri-yuzucuncu-yasini-kutluyor|title=Bugün Hava Kuvvetleri'nin kuruluş yıldönümü!|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006114030/http://kokpit.aero/hava-kuvvetleri-yuzucuncu-yasini-kutluyor|archive-date=2014-10-06|url-status=live}}

| equipment =

| equipment_label =

| battles = {{collapsible list

| titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;

| title = See list

|{{bulletedlist|War of Independence|Beytussebab rebellion|Ararat rebellion|Dersim rebellion|Korean War|Battle of Tillyria|Invasion of Cyprus|Operations against the PKK|Kurdistan Workers' Party insurgency|Operation Provide Comfort|Operation Deliberate Force|Operation Northern Watch|Operation Allied Force|Operation Enduring Freedom|Operation Northern Iraq|Operation Sun|Cross-border raids in Iraq|Operation Martyr Yalçın|Turkey–ISIL conflict|Operation Euphrates Shield|Operation Olive Branch|Operation Peace Spring|Turkish intervention in Libya|Turkish offensive in northern Syria (2024–present)|Operation Spring Shield|Operation Dawn of Freedom|2024 Manbij offensive|2024 Kobani clashes|East Aleppo offensive (2024–present)}}

}}

| decorations =

| battle_honours =

| battle_honours_label =

| flying_hours =

| website = {{Official URL}}

| commander1 = President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

| commander1_label = Commander-in-Chief

| commander2 = Yaşar Güler

| commander2_label = Minister of Defence

| commander3 = General Metin Gürak

| commander3_label = Chief of the General Staff

| commander4 = General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu

| commander4_label = Air Force Commander

| commander5 =

| commander5_label = Vice Commander

| commander6 = Lieutenant General Rafet Dalkıran

| commander6_label = Chief of Air Staff

| notable_commanders =

| identification_symbol = 80px 80px

| identification_symbol_label = Roundel

| identification_symbol_2 = 80px

| identification_symbol_2_label = Fin flash

| identification_symbol_3 = 100px

| identification_symbol_3_label = Flag of Turkish Air Force Command

| identification_symbol_4 = 160px

| identification_symbol_4_label = Aviator badge

| aircraft_attack = Akıncı, Aksungur, Anka-S

| aircraft_bomber = F-4 Terminator

| aircraft_electronic = C-160, CN-235, E-7T, Global 6000

| aircraft_fighter = F-16C/D

| aircraft_helicopter =

| aircraft_helicopter_attack =

| aircraft_helicopter_cargo =

| aircraft_helicopter_multirole =

| aircraft_helicopter_observation =

| aircraft_helicopter_trainer =

| aircraft_helicopter_utility = Cougar, T-70, UH-1H

| aircraft_interceptor =

| aircraft_patrol =

| aircraft_recon = TB1

| aircraft_trainer = TAI Hürkuş, KT-1, SF-260, T-38, T-41

| aircraft_transport = A400M, C-130, CN-235, Citation

| aircraft_tanker = Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

| aircraft_general =

}}

{{Turkish Air Force}}

{{Turkish Armed Forces}}

The Turkish Air Force ({{langx|tr|{{italics correction|Türk Hava Kuvvetleri}}}}) is the air and space force of the Turkish Armed Forces. It traces its origins to 1 June 1911 when it was founded as the Aviation Squadrons by the Ottoman Empire.{{cite web|url=http://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/EN/IcerikDetay.aspx?ID=19|title=The First Establishment and the Early Years|author=Hv. K. K. Mebs|access-date=24 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007104345/http://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/EN/IcerikDetay.aspx?ID=19|archive-date=7 October 2011}} It was composed of the Army Aviation Squadrons founded in 1911, and the Naval Aviation Squadrons founded in 1914 which used seaplanes. The Air Force as a branch of the Turkish Armed Forces was founded by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on 23 April 1920.

{{as of|2023}}, according to International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Turkish Air Force has an active strength of 50,000 military personnel and operates approximately 295 manned fixed-wing aircraft, 35 helicopters, and 52 unmanned aerial vehicles.{{cite book| url=https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance/the-military-balance-2023| title=The Military Balance 2023| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=15 February 2023| publisher=Routledge| location=London| isbn=9781032508955}}{{rp|143-144}} In terms of aircraft quantity, it is the largest air force in Europe.{{rp|51}} The world's first black pilot, Ahmet Ali Çelikten,{{cite book |author=Mark Johnson |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9DIRBQAAQBAJ&dq=Ahmet+Ali&pg=PT42 |title=Caribbean Volunteers at War: The Forgotten Story of the RAF's 'Tuskegee Airmen' |publisher=Pen and Sword |year=2014 |isbn=978-1-4738-3487-3 |page=42}} the world's first female fighter pilot, Sabiha Gökçen,{{cite web |title=First Female Combat Pilot |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/first-female-combat-pilot |access-date=15 May 2016 |website=Guinness World Records Official Web Site}} and the first female jet pilot accredited in NATO, Leman Altınçekiç, all served in the Turkish Air Force.{{cite journal |title=NATO's and Turkey's First Female Jet Pilot: Leman Altınçekiç |url=http://repository.bilkent.edu.tr/handle/11693/51518 |website=Bilkent University Institutional Repository|date=2018 |hdl=11693/51518 |last1=Dinçelek |first1=Gökçe |last2=Bayırlı |first2=Deniz |last3=Balcı |first3=Mert |last4=Serter |first4=Sena |last5=Aydın |first5=Didem }}{{cite web |title=NATO'nun ilk kadın jet pilotu: Leman Bozkurt Altınçekiç |url=https://www.trthaber.com/haber/yasam/natonun-ilk-kadin-jet-pilotu-leman-bozkurt-altincekic-578181.html |website=TRT Haber|date=4 May 2021 }}

History

=First steps=

{{Main|Ottoman Aviation Squadrons

}}

File:Turkish_pilots_in_1912.jpg (1912)]]File:Gallipoli_15th_Fighter_Flight_Squadron.jpg fighter plane belonging to the 15th Fighter Battalion during the Battle of Gallipoli (1915)]]

The history of Ottoman military aviation dates back to between 20 June 1909{{Cite web |date=2022-10-17 |title=Atatürk Dönemi Türk Hava Kuvvetleri |url=https://ataturkansiklopedisi.gov.tr/bilgi/ataturk-donemi-turk-hava-kuvvetleri/ |access-date=2024-07-22 |website=Atatürk Ansiklopedisi |language=tr}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.turkeyswar.com/aviation.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207125505/http://www.turkeyswar.com/aviation.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 December 2013|title=Turkey in the First World War - Story of Turkish Aviation }} and 1 July 1911.{{Cite journal|last=Olson|first=Robert|date=2000|title=The Kurdish Rebellions of Sheikh Said (1925), Mt. Ararat (1930), and Dersim (1937-8): Their Impact on the Development of the Turkish Air Force and on Kurdish and Turkish Nationalism|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1571104|journal=Die Welt des Islams|volume=40|issue=1|pages=67–94|doi=10.1163/1570060001569893|jstor=1571104|issn=0043-2539}} In 1911 the former commander of the Action Army Mahmud Sevket Pasa achieved to send some Turkish military officers to the French Bleriot aviation school.{{rp|74}} The same year the establishment of a Turkish airforce was taken into consideration. During the Italo-Turkish War of 1911, the Ottomans had to admit their disadvantage of not possessing an air force.{{rp|74–75}} Subsequently, the Ottomans employed German and French engineers who helped them to establish an air force with a dozen airplanes.{{rp|75}} The Ottoman Aviation Squadrons participated in the Balkan Wars (1912–1913) and World War I (1914–1918).{{Cite web|url=http://www.turkeyswar.com/aviation_index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611115108/http://www.turkeyswar.com/aviation_index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 June 2013|title=Turkey in the First World War - Aviation }} The fleet size reached its apex in December 1916, when the Ottoman Aviation Squadrons had 90 active combat aircraft. Some early help for the Ottoman Aviation Squadrons came from the Imperial German Fliegertruppe (known by that name before October 1916), with future Central Powers 13-victory flying ace Hans-Joachim Buddecke flying with the Turks early in World War I as just one example.{{Cite web|url=http://www.turkeyswar.com/aircraft.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611060628/http://www.turkeyswar.com/aircraft.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 June 2013|title=Turkey in the First World War - Turkish Aircraft }} The General Inspectorate of Air Forces (Kuva-yı Havaiye Müfettiş-i Umumiliği) By July 1918, the Aviation Squadrons were reorganized as the General Inspectorate of Air Forces.{{cite web|url=http://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/EN/IcerikDetay.aspx?ID=21|title=1918-1923|author=Hv. K. K. Mebs|access-date=24 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505145921/http://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/EN/IcerikDetay.aspx?ID=21|archive-date=5 May 2015}}

After the Armistice of Mudros and the occupation of the Ottoman Empire by the Allies in 1919, some Turkish aviators tried to build new units in Istanbul, İzmir, Konya, Elazığ and Diyarbakır with planes left over from World War I and tried to bring together flight personnel. During the Turkish War of Independence, Turkish pilots joined the Konya Air Station (Konya Hava İstasyonu). With the formation of the Grand National Assembly (GNA) by Mustafa Kemal and his colleagues on 23 April 1920, in Ankara, and the reorganization of the army, the Branch of Air Forces (Kuva-yı Havaiye Şubesi) was established under the Office of War (Harbiye Dairesi) of the GNA. A few damaged aircraft belonging to the GNA were repaired, and afterwards used in combat.{{fact|date=August 2024}}

In July 1922, it was reorganized as the Inspectorate of Air Forces (Kuva-yı Havaiye Müfettişliği) at Konya.Utkan Kocatürk, Atatürk ve Türkiye Cumhuriyeti tarihi kronolojisi, 1918–1938, Türk Tarîh Kurumu Basımevi, 1983, p. 674.

=Inspectorate of Air Forces=

File:Sabiha_gokcen3.jpg became the world's first female fighter pilot in 1937, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is named after her]]

After the establishment of the Republic of Turkey on 29 October 1923, plans were made to form a modern air force. Originally consisting of three normal and one naval aviation units, and an air school, the number of units was increased to 10 normal and three naval aviation units.{{cite web|url=http://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/EN/IcerikDetay.aspx?ID=22|title=1923-1944|author=Hv. K. K. Mebs|access-date=24 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007220754/http://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/EN/IcerikDetay.aspx?ID=22|archive-date=7 October 2014}} Starting in 1924, personnel were sent abroad for flight education. In 1925, the Air School was re-established in Eskişehir and its first students graduated that same year. In the same year, the Air Force was deployed to take part in a campaign aimed to suppress the Sheikh Said rebellion.{{Cite book|last=Olson|first=Robert|title=The Emergence of Kurdish Nationalism and the Sheikh Said Rebellion, 1880–1925|date=1989|publisher=University of Texas Press|isbn=978-0-292-76412-5|pages=120|language=en}} The Inspectorate of Air Forces was reorganized as the Undersecretariat of the Ministry of Defense in 1928 and new schools were found for non-pilot personnel. Some personnel were sent to the United Kingdom and France for training; others were sent to the United States and Italy in 1930.

From 1932, the air regiments were considered to be a separate combat arm and started training its own personnel. Turkish aviators wore blue uniforms from 1933.

The Air War College (Hava Harp Akademisi) was established in 1937.

=Air Force Command=

By 1940, Turkish air brigades had more than 500 combat aircraft in its inventory, becoming the largest air force in the Balkans and the Middle East. The growing inventory of air brigades required another structural change, which was made in 1940. The Air Undersecretariat under the Ministry of National Defense for logistical affairs and the General Staff for educational affairs were united to form the Air Force Command (Hava Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı) in 1944. Thus, the Air Force became a separate branch of the Turkish Armed Forces. The first Commander of the Turkish Air Force was General Zeki Doğan.{{cite web|url=http://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/EN/IcerikDetay.aspx?ID=23|title=1944-1980|author=Hv. K. K. Mebs|access-date=24 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007151256/http://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/EN/IcerikDetay.aspx?ID=23|archive-date=7 October 2014}} Turkey did not enter World War II on the side of the Allies until February 1945. However, the Turkish Armed Forces went on full alert and were prepared for war following the military alliance between neighbouring Bulgaria and the Axis Powers which was formalized in March 1941, and the occupation of neighbouring Greece by the Axis Powers in April 1941. Within a year, Turkey's borders were surrounded by German forces in the northwest and west, and Italian forces in the southwest. The Turkish Air Force made daily reconnaissance flights over Bulgaria, Greece, the Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea, and the Dodecanese Islands which then belonged to Italy, to monitor the positions of the Axis forces. The large cities in western Turkey were darkened at nights, and anti-aircraft guns and searchlights were deployed for defence against possible enemy planes. Almost all available money in the Turkish Government Treasury was used to purchase new weapons from any available provider in the world. The Turkish Air Force received large numbers of new aircraft in this period, including Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I/V/IX/XIX, Curtiss Falcon CW-22R/B, Fairey Battle-I, Avro Anson-I, Hawker Hurricane I/II, Morane-Saulnier M.S.406, Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk, Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk, Westland Lysander-I, Consolidated B-24D Liberator B-24, Bristol Blenheim IV/V, Bristol Beaufort, Bristol Beaufighter Mk.I/X, Focke-Wulf Fw 190-A3, Martin 187 Baltimore, De Havilland DH.98 Mosquito Mk.III/IV, Douglas B-26B/C Invader, P-47D Thunderbolt and Douglas C-47A/B Dakota.

The Air Machinist School (Hava Makinist Okulu) was reorganized as Aircraft Maintenance School (Hava Uçak Bakım Okulu) on 2 January 1950{{Cite web|url=http://www.tekok.edu.tr/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817081907/http://www.tekok.edu.tr/|url-status=dead|title=official website of the Air Technical Schools Command|archive-date=17 August 2011}} to unite schools responsible for training non-pilot Air Force personnel. In 1950 it also was decided to upgrade the Air Force fleet through the inclusion of jets. Eight pilots were sent to the United States for jet pilot training. They graduated in 1951 and started training jet pilots in the Turkish Air Force. In the same year, the 9th Fighter Wing (9’uncu Ana Jet Üssü) was founded in Balıkesir as Turkey's first fighter wing; the 191st, 192nd, and 193rd squadrons being the first ones which were established. Further training in the United States followed, usually involving jet manufacturers. In 1951 the Air Force Academy was formed with integrating some air schools in Eskişehir and its first academic year started on 1 October 1951.Mehmet Özel, 2000'li Yıllara Girerken Türk Ordusu, Kültür Bakanlığı, 2000, {{ISBN|978-975-17-2226-3}}, [https://books.google.com/books?id=P38-AQAAIAAJ&q=%22Hava+Harp+Okulu%22+1951 p. 198.] {{in lang|tr}} In 1956 the Hava Eğitim Kolordu Komutanlığı (Air Education Corps Command) was founded and all education was united under this command. The command was renamed as Hava Eğitim Komutanlığı (Air Education Command) in 1957.

Upon Turkey's membership to NATO in 1952, the process of modernization was accelerated. In 1962 the Taktik Hava Kuvveti (Tactical Air Force) was founded by upgrading the Hava Tümeni (Air Division) units to corps-level organizations.

In 1972, the force underwent major reorganization. The roundel was changed, the fleets were rebuilt and propelled airplanes were phased out in favour of jet-powered ones.

File:Turkish_Paratroopers_Parachuting_into_Kyrenia,_Cyprus_(20.07.1974,_Peace_Operation).jpg jump from military transport aircraft during the air landing operation off the coast of Kyrenia in the initial part of the Cyprus Operation (July 20, 1974)]]

In 1974 the Air Force was employed during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. With the arrival of the first batch of 40 third generation F-4E Phantom II fighter jets ordered in 1972 and acquired between 1974 and 1978,{{cite web|url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/turkiye-f-4leri-neden-emekli-etmiyor/|title=Türkiye F-4'leri neden emekli etmiyor?|website=savunmasanayist.com|publisher=SavunmaSanayiST|date=5 February 2019}} the Air Force was reorganized. This was followed by a second order in 1978 of another batch of 40 units (32 F-4Es and 8 RF-4Es, deliveries began in 1980). Another batch of 70 more F-4Es were acquired between 1981 and 1987, and 40 more F-4Es were acquired between 1991 and 1992, as well as 46 more RF-4E reconnaissance aircraft. In total, the Turkish Air Force received 236 F-4 Phantom II (182 F-4E and 54 RF-4E) aircraft. In 1997, IAI was selected to upgrade 54 of Turkey's F-4E fighter aircraft to the F-4E Terminator 2020 standard.{{cite web|url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/f-4e-phantom-ii-ve-terminator-2020-modernizasyonu/|title=F-4E Phantom II ve Terminator 2020 Modernizasyonu|website=SavunmaSanayiST|date=6 August 2020}} The upgraded aircraft were delivered between 1999 and 2003; of these, 26 aircraft were upgraded in Israel and the remaining 28 were upgraded in Turkey.

In 1983 Turkey ordered the fourth-generation F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft and started receiving them in 1987.{{cite web|url=https://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article21.html|title=Turkish Air Force - TUAF|website=www.f-16.net|access-date=5 March 2023}} The Turkish Air Force has received a total of 270 F-16C/D aircraft in its inventory, all of them Block 30/40/50 models. Turkey is one of five countries that locally produce F-16 fighter jets.

In 1995, the Turkish Air Force took part in NATO's Operation Deliberate Force.

In 1998, the Turkish Armed Forces announced a program of modernization worth US$160 billion over a twenty-year period in various projects,Economist Intelligence Unit:Turkey, p.22 (2005) with $45 billion earmarked for the overhaul of the Turkish Air Force, and included the commissioning new combat aircraft (consisting of multi-role and fifth generation stealth fighters) and helicopters (consisting of heavy lift, attack, medium lift and light general purpose helicopters).{{cite web |title=Turkey terrific fighter jet project |url=http://www.habermonitor.com/en/haber/detay/turkey-terrific-fighter-jet-project/89117/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225011416/http://www.habermonitor.com/en/haber/detay/turkey-terrific-fighter-jet-project/89117/ |archive-date=2014-12-25 |access-date=24 December 2014}}

Turkey provided 18 F-16s for the NATO campaign against Serbia during Operation Allied Force in 1999. Of these, 11 TAI-built F-16s were stationed at the NATO base in Aviano, Italy, while the other 7 were based in Ankara, Turkey. All were equipped with laser-guided bombs using the LANTIRN night vision system. Turkish jets had previously patrolled Balkan airspace, providing protection for attacking aircraft. During this allied air campaign, TAI-built F-16s set a world CAP record by patrolling for 9 hours and 22 minutes above the Balkan theatre. Normally, CAP missions last between 3 and 4 hours.

Turkey participated in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina, employing two squadrons (one in the Ghedi fighter wing, and after 2000 one in the Aviano fighter wing). They returned to Turkey in 2001.

In 2006, 4 Turkish F-16 fighter jets were deployed for NATO's Baltic Air Policing operation.

In December 2007, the Turkish Air Force initiated Operation Northern Iraq, which continued until the end of February 2008, eventually becoming a part of Operation Sun. At the initial phase of this operation, on 16 December 2007, the TuAF used the AGM-65 Maverick and AGM-142 Popeye/Have Nap during a night bombardment for the first time.

In August 2011, the Turkish Air Force launched multiple aerial raids against the PKK in Iraq, striking 132 targets in six days. In 2013, the Turkish Air Force began striking ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq. In July 2015, during Operation Martyr Yalçın, the Turkish Air Force launched air strikes against ISIL and PKK targets in Syria and Iraq.

On 22 June 2012, during the Syrian civil war, a Turkish RF-4E Phantom II reconnaissance aircraft was shot down by a Syrian surface-to-air missile and crashed into the Mediterranean Sea; both the pilot and the navigator lost their lives.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18561219|title=BBC News - Syrian military says it downed Turkish fighter jet|newspaper=BBC News|date=23 June 2012|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003204913/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18561219|archive-date=2014-10-03|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/7/4/turkey-locates-bodies-of-downed-jet-pilots|title=Turkey locates bodies of downed jet pilots|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=4 July 2012}} On 23 March 2014, a Turkish F-16 shot down a Syrian MiG-23 near the Turkey-Syria border; the Syrian pilot was reported to have safely ejected from the aircraft.{{cite web|url=https://www.f-16.net/f-16-news-article4844.html|title=Turkish F-16 shoots down a Syrian MiG-23|website=www.f-16.net|date=23 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/heavy-clashes-syria-near-turkish-border|title=Turkish jet downs Syrian warplane near border|work=The Big Story|access-date=4 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031231249/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/heavy-clashes-syria-near-turkish-border|archive-date=2014-10-31|url-status=live}} On 24 November 2015, a Turkish F-16 shot down a Russian Su-24 strike aircraft which, according to Turkish authorities, had violated Turkish airspace by crossing the Turkey-Syria border. The Russian government contested those claims, stating that the aircraft never entered Turkish airspace.{{Cite web|title = Is this start of a wider war?|url = http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/military/russia-vs-turkey-a-new-cold-war/news-story/5b0b9f73ffdfcbe04d4c2f7588a9ef78|website = NewsComAu|date = 25 November 2015|access-date = 2015-11-25|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151126014655/http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/military/russia-vs-turkey-a-new-cold-war/news-story/5b0b9f73ffdfcbe04d4c2f7588a9ef78|archive-date = 2015-11-26|url-status = live}}{{Cite web|title = How is this not World War III? |url = http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/24/opinions/ghitis-russia-jet-shot-down/index.html|website = CNN|date = 24 November 2015|access-date = 2015-11-25|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151125040104/http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/24/opinions/ghitis-russia-jet-shot-down/index.html|archive-date = 2015-11-25|url-status = live}} The pilot and navigator both ejected from the aircraft; the navigator was rescued, but the pilot was shot and killed by Syrian rebel ground fire while descending by parachute.{{cite news|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/news/turkey-blasts-russian-warplane-out-of-the-sky-says-jet-violated-its-airspace-pilots-fate-unclear|title=Syrian rebels fired on parachuting Russian pilots, killing at least one after Turkey shot down warplane: official|newspaper=National Post|date=25 November 2015|access-date=25 November 2015}} The incident sparked a crisis in Turkey's relations with Russia, which were restored in 2016 when Turkish President Erdoğan expressed his regret and condolences to Russian President Putin.{{Cite news|title = Erdoğan has apologised for downing of Russian jet, Kremlin says|url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/27/kremlin-says-erdogan-apologises-russian-jet-turkish|newspaper = The Guardian|first1=Alec|last1=Luhn|first2=Ian|last2=Black|date = 2016-06-27|access-date = 2016-07-14}}

Other important air strikes by the Turkish Air Force in recent years include Operation Euphrates Shield (2016–2017), Operation Olive Branch (2018–2019), Operation Peace Spring (2019), Turkish intervention in Libya (2020), Operation Spring Shield (2020), and Operation Claw Sword (2022).

=Turkish Air Force and NATO=

{{Main|Nuclear sharing}}

File:A Turkish F-16 Fighting Falcon refueling 4857342.jpg flies into position to make contact with the boom of a USAF KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 134th Air Refueling Wing during Exercise Trident Juncture 2018 near Kallax Air Base, Sweden]]

The Turkish Air Force contributes personnel and aircraft to the command centers and air bases of NATO and actively participates in the exercises of the alliance in Europe and North America.

The headquarters of NATO's Allied Air Component Command for Southern Europe (formerly designated as AIRSOUTH and originally headquartered in Naples, Italy) was established in İzmir, Turkey, on 11 August 2004. Allied Air Command İzmir was deactivated on 1 June 2013, when the Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany became the sole Allied Air Component Command of NATO.{{cite web|url=http://www.jfcnaples.nato.int/page11122031/2013/nato-deactivates-allied-air-command-izmir-headquarters--turkey.aspx|title=NATO deactivates Allied Air Command Izmir|publisher=NATO|access-date=15 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714154929/http://www.jfcnaples.nato.int/page11122031/2013/nato-deactivates-allied-air-command-izmir-headquarters--turkey.aspx|archive-date=2014-07-14|url-status=live}}

Turkey is one of five NATO member states which are part of the nuclear sharing policy of the alliance, together with Belgium, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,618550,00.html|title=Yankee Bombs Go Home: Foreign Minister Wants US Nukes out of Germany|location=Hamburg, Germany|date=10 April 2009|work=Spiegel Online|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214122303/http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0%2C1518%2C618550%2C00.html|archive-date=2012-02-14|url-status=live}} A total of 90 B61 nuclear bombs are hosted at the Incirlik Air Base, 40 of which are allocated for use by the Turkish Air Force in case of a nuclear conflict, but their use requires the approval of NATO.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrdc.org/nuclear/euro/euro_pt1.pdf|title=NRDC: U.S. Nuclear Weapons in Europe • Hans M. Kristensen / Natural Resources Defense Council, 2005.|website=nrdc.org|access-date=2009-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101060355/http://www.nrdc.org/nuclear/euro/euro_pt1.pdf|archive-date=2011-01-01|url-status=live}}

= Turkish Aerobatics Teams =

File:Canadair NF-5A Freedom Fighter, Turkey - Air Force JP6919860.jpg aircraft of the Turkish Stars during a demonstration flight at Kecskemét Air Base, Hungary]]After the first aerobatics formation in the history of the Turkish Air Force was performed by Lt. Gen. Fazıl Bey on March 5, 1914, at an altitude of 1312 feet, other Turkish pilots also tried various acrobatic moves. The first "official" aerobatics studies within the Turkish Air Force, which quickly took its place in world aviation history in terms of aerobatics, began in 1926 at the Turkish Air Force Acacemy. This group, which was formed under the leadership of flight instructor Plt. Gen. Enver Akoğlu and included Plt. Gen. Tekin Arıburun, carried out extremely successful studies. The first aerobatics team in the Turkish Air Force, which was suitable for today's modern and advanced technology aviation approach, was established in 1952 under the name "Milli", immediately after the transition to the jet era. This acroteam, which was established at the 9th Air Base Command in Balıkesir, the first jet base of the Turkish Air Force, used the F-84G Thunderbird. This first team, call sign "Milli", which operated between 1952 and 1962, achieved significant successes. The acrobatic team named Milli, which performed numerous flight displays in Turkey, managed to make a name for itself with the shows it organized primarily in Italy and Belgium. The call sign of the second acrobatic team in history, established in 1955 at the 4’th Air Base Command in Ankara, was "Uçan Kuğular" (Flying Swans) Using F-86E Sabre aircraft painted in red and white with swan motifs embroidered on the nose sections, this aerobatics team continued its activities for 10 years. "Uçan Kuğular" gained an important place in Turkish and world aviation history with the 9 and 12 shows it performed in 1964. The aerobatics team, call sign "Akrep" (Scorpion) established towards the end of 1957 at the 8th Air Base Command in Diyarbakır and being the third Turkish aerobatics team in history; It continued its activities until 1959. The acro team, whose aircraft type was F-84G, participated in various shows both in Turkey and abroad (Pakistan). The fourth acro team in Turkish aviation history, bearing the call sign "Yarasalar", was established in 1964 at the 5th Main Jet Base Command in Merzifon. This acro team, whose aircraft type was F-86E Sabre and whose aircraft were painted with a special motif in black and white, operated for 2 years and performed 5, 9 and 12 aerobatics shows. This acro team, which was established in 1966 and called “Kartal” from 1966 to 1971, received the call sign “Coşkun” after the death of Lit. Coşkun Turan, who was on duty in the team, during a mission flight on 21 May 1971. The aircraft type of the acro team, established at the Bandırma 6th Main Jet Base Command, is the F-5A Freedom Fighter. The acro team, called “Coşkun”, performed flight demonstrations in Turkey and around the world (1971 in Italy). No continuously active acroteam was established between 1971 and 1992. After a 20-year hiatus, the Turkish Air Force decided to establish an acroteam again and started activities to implement the project in 1992. In accordance with the directives of the Commander of the Turkish Air Force, Gen. Halis Burhan, work was started for the establishment of an acroteam in 1992 and approval was received for the establishment of an acroteam within the 132nd Weapon Tactics and Standardized Squadron Command at the Konya 3rd Main Jet Base on 11 September 1992. While the establishment and examination studies were continuing rapidly, the order to establish an acroteam consisting of four NF-5 wings within the 132nd Squadron was issued on 7 November 1992. In the meantime, the selection of the first four pilots who would constitute the core of the acroteam was made. In 1993, double training was started and the planned acrobatic movements were tried and the desired result was achieved after a flight of five sorties. Later, training of right and left wing fliers was started and quadruple training was started. In the meantime, some of the personnel working in the acroteam were sent to England, Canada and Italy to conduct research on the subject. In order to fulfill the acroteam duty with more safety and efficiency, a study was started on April 27, 1993 for the modifications to be made on the NF-5 aircraft, primarily the smoke system and painting of the aircraft, to increase flight safety. While the studies were ongoing, on June 18, 1993, the closing day of the Turkish Air Force Command Shooting Competitions, the Turkish Stars acroteam performed its first official display as a quartet to state dignitaries and other guests at the 4th Main Jet Base Command in Ankara. Following this display the Turkish Stars, which gained fleet status, managed to make a name for itself as the youngest supersonic acrobatic team in the world. In August 1993, the aircraft modification/painting activities were initiated by the 1’st Main Jet Base Command and Maintenance Center Command in Eskişehir. During this process, five- and six-wing flight training was also initiated. The modifications and changes made to the 9 NF-5 and 1 NF-5B aircraft allocated to the Turkish Stars acroteam were completed in July 1994 and delivered to the unit.{{Cite web |title=www.HAVACIYIZ.com |url=http://www.havaciyiz.com/AkrotimE.htm |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=www.havaciyiz.com}}

Current equipment

{{Further|List of Turkish Air Force aircraft|List of equipment of the Turkish Air Force}}

=Fighter and reconnaissance aircraft=

File:Turkish F-16 formation, Red Flag 16-2 (28769487653).jpgs of SoloTürk during the Red Flag 16-2 exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, NV, USA]]

In 1984, the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) was established and Turkey started to produce fighter aircraft locally under license, including a total of 232 F-16 Fighting Falcon (Block 30/40/50) aircraft for the Turkish Air Force. Making it one of the only five countries in the world which produce the fourth generation jet fighter. The air force had previously received 8 F-16s that were purchased directly from the United States, bringing the total number of F-16s received by the air force to 245.{{cite web |url=http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article21.html |title=F-16.net: Turkish Air Force |access-date=2008-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080124133145/http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article21.html |archive-date=2008-01-24 |url-status=live }} In 2007 TAI built 30 F-16 Block 50+ aircraft for the airforce{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/tnBasicIndustries-SP/idUSL114958220070511 |title=Turkey signs $1.78 bln deal to buy warplanes |work=Reuters |date=11 May 2007 |access-date=2017-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608074607/http://www.reuters.com/article/tnBasicIndustries-SP/idUSL114958220070511 |archive-date=2009-06-08 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.f-16.net/news_article2325.html |work=F-16.net |title=Turkey signs contract to buy 30 F-16 block 50+ jets |access-date=2007-09-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929092746/http://www.f-16.net/news_article2325.html |archive-date=2007-09-29 |url-status=live }} and applied the CCIP modernization program to 117 of its Block 40 and 50 F-16s, bringing them to the Block 50+ configuration.{{cite journal |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2005/05/11b-to-upgrade-turkish-f16-fleet/index.php |title=$1.1B to Upgrade Turkish F-16 fleet |journal=Defense Industry Daily |access-date=2006-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204044121/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2005/05/11b-to-upgrade-turkish-f16-fleet/index.php |archive-date=2007-02-04 |url-status=live }}{{cite journal |url=https://www.defensenews.com/training-sim/2015/04/12/turkey-receives-last-upgraded-f-16/ |title=Turkey Receives Last Upgraded F-16 |journal=Defense News |date=12 April 2015 |access-date=2021-09-04 }}

Dozens of TAI-built F-16s were also exported to other countries, particularly in the Middle East. A total of 46 TAI-built F-16s have been exported to the Egyptian Air Force under the Peace Vector IV Program (1993–1995), making it TAI's second-largest F-16 customer after the Turkish Air Force.{{cite web|url=http://www.tusas.com.tr/en_menu.aspx?menu_id=5&img=tai_ana_ust-program.swf|title=Turkish Aerospace Industries: Programs|access-date=2008-02-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227020545/http://www.tusas.com.tr/en_menu.aspx?menu_id=5&img=tai_ana_ust-program.swf|archive-date=2008-02-27|url-status=live}}

On 11 July 2002, Turkey became a Level 3 partner of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) development program, and on 25 January 2007, Turkey officially joined the production phase of the JSF program, agreeing to purchase a total of 116 F-35 Lightning II aircraft (100 F-35A CTOL for the Turkish Air Force and 16 F-35B STOVL for the Turkish Naval Forces).{{cite web |date=8 January 2015 |title=Turkey plans to purchase four more F-35 jet fighters and five CH-47F transport helicopters |url=http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/january-2015-air-force-military-aviation-defence-industry-news/1408-turkey-plans-to-purchase-four-more-f-35-jet-fighters-and-five-ch-47f-transport-helicopters.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522023108/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/january-2015-air-force-military-aviation-defence-industry-news/1408-turkey-plans-to-purchase-four-more-f-35-jet-fighters-and-five-ch-47f-transport-helicopters.html |archive-date=2015-05-22 |access-date=2015-01-12}}

Turkey placed an initial order for 30 F-35 Lightning IIs,{{cite web|url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2018/06/21/turkey-f-35-lockheed-roll-out/|title=Turkey receives F-35s from Lockheed, despite US Senate ban|publisher=The Defense Post|author=Fergus Kelly|date=21 June 2018}} six of which were completed as of 2019 and two more were at the assembly line in 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/us-to-buy-eight-f-35-jets-originally-built-for-turkey-38301|title=US to buy eight F-35 jets originally built for Turkey|website=trtworld.com|publisher=TRT World|date=21 July 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/07/20/its-official-us-air-force-to-buy-turkish-f-35s/|title=It's official: US Air Force to buy Turkish F-35s|website=defensenews.com|publisher=Defense News|author=Valerie Insinna|date=21 July 2020}} The first four F-35As were delivered to Luke Air Force Base between 21 June 2018 and 5 April 2019 for the training of Turkish pilots.{{cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/defense/2018/06/21/first-f-35s-delivered-to-turkish-air-force-in-ceremony-defense-capabilities-upgraded|title=First F-35's delivered to Turkish Air Force in ceremony, defense capabilities upgraded|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=21 June 2018|access-date=2024-02-24}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-turkey-f35-arizona-idUSKCN1RG242|title=Turkish F-35 delivered to training base in Arizona, official says|date=2019-04-04|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-07-17|language=en}}

On 17 July 2019, the U.S. Senate passed a defense spending bill which prevents the Turkish Air Force from obtaining the F-35 stealth fighter aircraft due to the country's acquisition of the S-400 missile system from Russia.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49023115|title=US removes Turkey from F-35 fighter jet programme|website=bbc.com|publisher=BBC|date=17 July 2019}} As of 2023, the U.S. has not refunded the $1.4 billion payment made by Turkey for purchasing the F-35A fighters and instead offered to support the sale of Block 70 F-16 fighter jets and the modernization program for the F-16 fleet of the Turkish Airforce.{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-turkey-continue-talks-to-settle-f-35-dispute|title=US, Turkey continue talks to settle F-35 dispute|author=Gareth Jennings|website=janes.com|date=24 January 2023}}

In January 2024, the U.S. State Department passed a $23 billion package that included the modernization of existing F16 fleets and new 40 F16 Block 70 fighter jets, as well as a wide range of ammunitions.{{cite web|url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/turkiye-f-16-aircraft-acquisition-and-modernization|title=TÜRKIYE – F-16 AIRCRAFT ACQUISITION AND MODERNIZATION|date=26 January 2024}} As of August 2024, the project is continuing on as planned, as the Turkish Defense Minister said.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/turkey-pleased-with-f-16-jets-deal-with-us-defence-minister-says-2024-08-12/|title=Exclusive: Turkey pleased with F-16 jets deal with US, defence minister says|website=Reuters |date=12 August 2024}}

=Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft=

File:Boeing 737 AEW&C MESA Peace Eagle.jpg (code 13–001) of the Turkish Air Force in Seattle, WA, United States]]

A total of four Boeing 737 AEW&C Peace Eagle ({{lang|tr|Barış Kartalı}}) aircraft (together with ground support systems) were ordered by the Turkish Air Force, with an option for two more aircraft. TAI is the primary subcontractor for the Peace Eagle parts production, aircraft modification, assembly and tests. Another subcontractor, HAVELSAN, is responsible for system analysis and software support.{{cite web|url=http://www.havelsan.com.tr/eng/activities/exp/main_exp/bk.php|title=Peace Eagle (PE) - Turkish Airborne Early Warning & Control System|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820012552/http://www.havelsan.com.tr/eng/activities/exp/main_exp/bk.php |archive-date=2008-08-20|publisher=Havelsan}}

Signed on 23 July 2003, the contract to Boeing was valued at US$1.385 billion, which was later reduced by US$59 million because some of the requirements were not met. The down payment to Boeing amounted to US$637 million. The project consists of the delivery of 737-700 airframes, ground radars and control systems, ground control segments for mission crew training, mission support and maintenance support.{{cite news |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-imposes-183-million-penalty-on-boeing-over-delivery-delay-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=62627&NewsCatID=345 |newspaper=Hürriyet Daily News |title=Turkey imposes $183 million penalty on Boeing over delivery delay |date=2014-02-18 |access-date=2014-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225003853/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-imposes-183-million-penalty-on-boeing-over-delivery-delay-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=62627&NewsCatID=345 |archive-date=2014-02-25 |url-status=live }}

Peace Eagle 1 was modified and tested by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems in Seattle, Washington, USA. Peace Eagle 2, 3 and 4 were modified and tested at the facilities of TAI in Ankara, Turkey, with the participation of Boeing and a number of Turkish companies.{{cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/ic/aewc/news/2006/q1/060302b_pr.html|title=Boeing Installs MESA Antenna on First Peace Eagle Aircraft|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905044121/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/ic/aewc/news/2006/q1/060302b_pr.html |archive-date=2008-09-05|publisher=Boeing|date=2 March 2006}} As of mid-2007, systems integration was ongoing and airworthiness certification works continued. In September 2007, Boeing completed the first test flight of Turkey's AEW&C 737.{{cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/ic/aewc/news/2007/q3/070906b_nr.html|title=Boeing Successfully Completes First Test Flight of AEW&C Peace Eagle Aircraft|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080124221209/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/ic/aewc/news/2007/q3/070906b_nr.html |archive-date=2008-01-24 |publisher=Boeing|date=6 September 2007}}

On 4 June 2008, it was announced that Turkish Aerospace Industries completed the first in-country modification of a Boeing 737-700 into an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform for Turkey's Peace Eagle program.{{cite web|url=http://frontierindia.net/turkish-aerospace-industries-completes-modification-of-peace-eagle-aewc-aircraft|title=Turkish Aerospace Industries completes modification of Peace Eagle AEW&C aircraft|work=Frontier India|access-date=24 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001062415/http://frontierindia.net/turkish-aerospace-industries-completes-modification-of-peace-eagle-aewc-aircraft|archive-date=1 October 2011}}

The first Peace Eagle aircraft, named Kuzey (meaning North) was formally accepted into Turkish Air Force inventory on 21 February 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140208/DEFREG01/302080021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140208191445/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140208/DEFREG01/302080021 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 February 2014 |title=Boeing Delivers 1st Spy Plane To Turkey; Faces Penalties |last1=BEKDIL |first1=BURAK EGE |date=8 February 2014 |website=www.defensenews.com |publisher=Gannett Government Media |access-date=8 February 2014}} The remaining three aircraft will be named Güney (South), Doğu (East) and Batı (West).{{cite web|url= http://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/EN/IcerikDetay.aspx?ID=93&IcerikID=5697|title=First Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft of the Peace Eagle Project, Kuzey (North) was taken into inventory|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311021904/http://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/EN/IcerikDetay.aspx?ID=93&IcerikID=5697 |archive-date=2014-03-11|publisher=Turkish Air Force|url-status=dead|date=2014-02-25}}

The six-year delay was a result of Boeing experiencing difficulties while developing some features required by the Turkish Air Force. Turkey demanded compensation of US$183 million from Boeing for the delay. The payment of the penalty is requested in the form of increased start-up support period from an initially planned two years to five years, as well as three years of software maintenance service and around US$32 million in spare parts.

=Aerial refueling tanker aircraft=

File:2019 Royal International Air Tattoo EGVA - Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker - Turkish Air Force - 57-2609 (48367810431).jpg (code 57–2609) of the Turkish Air Force at the 2019 Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford, England ]]

In 1994 the Turkish Air Force signed a deal to lease two and purchase seven Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker aerial refueling tanker aircraft.{{cite web|url=http://www.tayyareci.com/digerucaklar/turkiye/1951ve2006/kc135.asp|title=Boeing KC-135R "Stratotanker"|access-date=2008-05-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412044509/http://www.tayyareci.com/digerucaklar/turkiye/1951ve2006/kc135.asp|archive-date=2008-04-12|url-status=live}} Following the arrival of all seven purchased aircraft, the two leased KC-135Rs were returned to the United States.

All seven KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft of the Turkish Air Force have received the Pacer CRAG (Compass, Radar And GPS) upgrade.

The KC-135R-CRAG Stratotanker aerial refueling tanker aircraft of the Turkish Air Force are operated by the 101st Squadron, stationed at the Incirlik Air Base.

===Military transport aircraft===

File:Turkish Airbus A400M Atlas taxies upon arrival at RAF Mildenhall 2.jpg (code 16–0055) of the Turkish Air Force taxies upon arrival at RAF Mildenhall, England]]

Turkey is a partner nation in the Airbus A400M Atlas production program.

The Turkish Air Force has ordered a total of ten A400M Atlas aircraft.{{cite news|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/international/europe/2014/12/24/turkey-second-a400m/20856725/|title=Turkey Receives Second A400M|work=DefenseNews|date=24 December 2014|first=Burak Ege|last=Bekdil|access-date=25 November 2015}} The first two A400M Atlas were delivered to the Turkish Air Force in 2014.{{cite news|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/turkish-air-force-receives-second-a400m-407503/|title=Turkish air force receives second A400M|work=Flightglobal|access-date=30 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230151701/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/turkish-air-force-receives-second-a400m-407503/|archive-date=2014-12-30|url-status=live}} All A400M Atlas deliveries to the Turkish Air Force were completed by 2018.{{cite web |url=http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation/april-2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-defence-/1040-turkey-accepts-delivery-of-its-first-airbus-a400m.html |title=Turkey accepts delivery of its First Airbus A400M |date=5 April 2014 |access-date=2015-02-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224123102/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation/april-2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-defence-/1040-turkey-accepts-delivery-of-its-first-airbus-a400m.html |archive-date=2014-12-24 |url-status=live }}

TAI produces several components of the A400M Atlas, including the middle-front fuselage, emergency exit doors, rear fuselage upper panels, rear upper escape doors, ailerons and spoilers; which are sent to the Airbus Military factory in Spain for assembly.{{cite web|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/news-118614-tai-ships-first-body-parts-of-a400m-planes.html|title=TAI ships first body parts of A400M planes|work=TodaysZaman|access-date=24 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225002839/http://www.todayszaman.com/news-118614-tai-ships-first-body-parts-of-a400m-planes.html|archive-date=25 December 2014}}

The Turkish Air Force also uses the C-130 Hercules, C-160 Transall and CASA CN-235 military transport aircraft.

The transport helicopters used by the Turkish Armed Forces include the Boeing CH-47 Chinook, Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk and Eurocopter AS532 Cougar.

=Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)=

File:Hürjet, Anka-3 ve Hürkuş.jpg (center) flying in formation with a TAI Hürjet (left) and a TAI Hürkuş (right) in 2024]]

{{as of|2023}}, the Turkish Air Force operates HALE UCAVs such as the Baykar Akıncı, and MALE UCAVs such as the TAI Aksungur, TAI Anka, and the IAI Heron. The jet-engined UCAV Baykar Kızılelma is developed for the Turkish Air Force and Turkish Naval Forces; its maiden flight was successfully completed on 14 December 2022.{{Cite web |last=Herk |first=Hans van |title=Kızılelma takes to the sky! |url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/k-z-lelma-takes-to-the-sky |date=14 December 2022 |website=www.scramble.nl |language=en-GB}} Having been unable to purchase the armed version of Predator UCAVs from the United States, Turkey has fitted these drones with indigenous MAM series munitions, while the Baykar Akıncı HALE UCAV can also be armed with the SOM cruise missile.{{Cite web|url=https://asianmilitaryreview.com/2019/03/roketsans-smart-micro-guided-munitions-boost-effectiveness-of-uavs/|title=Roketsan's Smart Micro Guided Munitions Boost Effectiveness of UAVs|date=2019-03-25|website=Asian Military Review|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-02}}

The runway tests of TAI Anka-3, a jet-powered, flying wing type UCAV with stealth technology, began in April 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/video/tv-shows/turkiyes-air-strategy-more-homegrown-hardware-and-options-13212138|title=NexTech: Türkiye's Air Strategy – More Homegrown Hardware and Options|publisher=TRT World|author=Alican Ayanlar|date=12 May 2023}} Its maiden flight was successfully completed on 28 December 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-29/turkey-s-stealth-drone-anka-3-makes-debut-flight-with-ukraine-engine|title=Turkish Stealth Drone Makes Debut Flight After Years of Secrecy|publisher=Bloomberg|date=29 December 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAnxwJk0h10|title=Turkey's ANKA III Fighter Drone Makes Debut Flight|publisher=Bloomberg Television|date=29 December 2023}} On October 30, 2024, a TAI Anka-3 UCAV armed with a cruise missile became the first drone in history to be controlled by another aircraft in the loyal wingman role, representing an advancement in remote control capabilities for military aviation.{{cite web|url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/turkish-tais-anka-3-becomes-first-next-gen-stealth-combat-drone-fully-operated-from-aircraft|title=Turkish TAI’s ANKA-3 Becomes First Next-Gen Stealth Combat Drone Fully Operated from Aircraft|website=armyrecognition.com|publisher=Army Recognition Group - Global Defense News|date=31 October 2024}}

=Satellites=

As of 2024, the Turkish Air Force operates the military intelligence satellites Göktürk-2 (in orbit since 2012), Göktürk-1 (since 2016), and Türksat 5A (since 2021), while Göktürk-3 is scheduled to be launched and placed into orbit in 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/Custom/Hvkk/250|title=GÖKTÜRK-3 (KEŞİF-GÖZETLEME SAR UYDU SİSTEMİ)|website=hvkk.tsk.tr|publisher=Turkish Air Force|access-date=24 February 2024}} Göktürk-2 is a 2m resolution reconnaissance satellite for use by the National Intelligence Organization, launched in 2012. Göktürk-1 is a 0.8m resolution reconnaissance satellite for use by the Turkish Armed Forces, launched in 2016. Some electro-optical parts that were required for the Göktürk-1 (0.8m resolution) satellite were beyond TAI's technological know-how, thus a foreign partner was sought. The official bidders for the project were EADS Astrium (U.K.), OHB-System (Germany) and Telespazio (Italy);{{Cite web |url=http://www.ssm.gov.tr/EN/Projeler/mebs/prjgrpuydu/Pages/GOKTURK__H.aspx |title=Undersecretariat for Turkish Defence Industries: Electro-Optical (EO) Reconnaissance and Surveillance Satellite System (GÖKTÜRK) |access-date=2008-05-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221155128/http://www.ssm.gov.tr/EN/PROJELER/MEBS/PRJGRPUYDU/Pages/GOKTURK__H.aspx |archive-date=2007-12-21 |url-status=live }} and the contract was won by Telespazio of Italy.{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=eurofighter-seeks-to-sell-40-jets-to-turkey-2010-11-11|title=ECONOMY - Eurofighter hopes to sell 40 jets to Turkey|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115021726/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=eurofighter-seeks-to-sell-40-jets-to-turkey-2010-11-11|archive-date=2010-11-15|url-status=live}}

File:TaiIDEF2015 (8).JPG at IDEF 2015]]

Göktürk-2 was launched from the Jiuquan Launch Area 4 / SLS-2 in China by a Long March 2D space launch vehicle at 16:12:52 UTC on 18 December 2012. It was placed into a low Earth orbit of {{convert| 686|km|mi|abbr=on}} at 16:26 UTC. The first signal from Göktürk-2 was received at 17:39 UTC by the Tromsø Satellite Station, northern Norway.

Göktürk-1 was launched later, after numerous delays due to political and business disputes, at 13:51:44 UTC on 5 December 2016, from the Guiana Space Center, on Vega flight VV08 of the European Space Agency's Vega rocket.

In 2013 Turkey approved the construction by Roketsan of its first satellite launching center, initially for low earth orbit satellites.{{cite news |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130728/DEFREG04/307280004/Turkey-s-Sat-Launcher-Plans-Raise-Concerns |title=Turkey's Sat-Launcher Plans Raise Concerns |author=Burak Ege Bekdil |work=DefenseNews |date=28 July 2013 |access-date=30 August 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130830224731/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130728/DEFREG04/307280004/Turkey-s-Sat-Launcher-Plans-Raise-Concerns |archive-date=2013-08-30 |url-status=dead }}

In 2015, Turkey and Ukraine signed a space program cooperation agreement worth billions of dollars.{{cite news|url=http://www.unian.info/politics/1060458-ukraine-turkey-agree-on-space-program-worth-billions-of-dollars.html|title=Ukraine, Turkey agree on space program worth billions of dollars|work=Unian|date=26 March 2015|access-date=25 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125105510/http://www.unian.info/politics/1060458-ukraine-turkey-agree-on-space-program-worth-billions-of-dollars.html|archive-date=2015-11-25|url-status=live}}

Türksat 5A was launched on 8 January 2021, at 02:15:00 UTC from Cape Canaveral (CCSFS), SLC-40. It greatly extended the range of drone operations from the west of Europe to the east of Kazakhstan, with more resistance against jamming, rejection and wiretapping; high-definition live streams of targets and commanding of munitions drops.{{Cite web|url=https://www.defensehere.com/eng/defense-industry/what-is-the-contribution-of-the-turksat-5a-and-5b-satellites-to-the-turkish-defense-industry-/75748|access-date=2021-08-05|website=www.defensehere.com|title=What is the contribution of the Türksat 5A and 5B satellites to the Turkish defense industry?|archive-date=2020-12-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211144313/https://www.defensehere.com/eng/defense-industry/what-is-the-contribution-of-the-turksat-5a-and-5b-satellites-to-the-turkish-defense-industry-/75748|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|title=Satellite network filings including UG earth stations providing UAS CNPC links|url=https://www.itu.int:443/en/ITU-R/space/snl/Pages/UAS.aspx|access-date=2021-08-05|website=ITU|language=fr-CH}}

Future equipment

=Eurofighter Typhoon=

In November 2023, Turkey announced plans to acquire 40 Eurofighter Typhoons from the United Kingdom. The sale has been approved by all partners except Germany, due to disagreements between Ankara and Berlin on a number of political issues.{{cite web|url=https://english.news.cn/europe/20231127/6ac5b01c7c3747fdb7b6c6a496ce5a2c/c.html|title=News Analysis: Germany's possible blockade adds uncertainty to Türkiye's acquisition of 40 Eurofighters|publisher=Xinhua|access-date=2024-02-24|date=2023-11-27|first=Burak|last=Akinci}} In February 2024, media reports indicated that Turkey's interest in the procurement of Typhoons remains, despite progress being made on the purchase of 40 new F-16Vs from the United States.{{cite web|publisher=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/turkey-still-interested-eurofighters-despite-progress-us-f-16s-2024-02-01/|title=Turkey still interested in Eurofighters despite progress on US F-16s|access-date=2024-02-24|date=2024-02-01}} Turkish Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler announced that two Eurofighter jets of the RAF, which had participated in a military exercise in Qatar, would arrive at Mürted Airfield Command in Ankara for Turkish authorities to inspect the aircraft. The two RAF Eurofighter Typhoon jets landed at Mürted Airfield Command in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, on December 14, 2024. Turkish Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler also emphasized that negotiations regarding Ankara’s potential purchase of the Eurofighter jets were progressing positively.{{Cite web |title=UK's Eurofighter Typhoon jet lands in Ankara for inspection by Türkiye |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/uks-eurofighter-typhoon-jet-lands-in-ankara-for-inspection-by-turkiye-/3427870 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}

=TAI TF Kaan=

File:IMG-TAI-TFX.jpg completed its first flight on 21 February 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/turkey-kaan-fighter-test|title=Turkey's KAAN fifth-gen fighter jet conducts first test flight|first=Clement |last=Charpentreau|publisher=Aerotime|date=21 February 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/turkish-kaan-fighter-jet-makes-much-anticipated-second-flight|title=Turkish Kaan Fighter Jet Makes Much-Anticipated Second Flight|publisher=Aviation Week|author=Tony Osborne|date=7 May 2024}}]]

In December 2010, Turkey's Undersecretariat for Defense Industries signed an agreement with TAI for a fifth generation fighter aircraft to ultimately replace the F-16 Fighting Falcon.{{Cite web |last1=Yaylali |first1=Cem Devrim |last2=Ozberk |first2=Tayfun |date=2024-02-21 |title=Turkey's fifth-generation fighter plane takes off for maiden flight |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/02/21/turkeys-fifth-generation-fighter-plane-takes-off-for-maiden-flight/ |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Defense News |language=en}}{{Cite news |place= TR |url= http://www.todayszaman.com/news-254664-deal-for-production-of-first-turkish-fighter-jet-signed.html |title= Deal for production of first Turkish fighter jet signed |publisher= Feza Gazetecilik |work= Today’s zaman |date= 23 August 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110824201518/http://www.todayszaman.com/news-254664-deal-for-production-of-first-turkish-fighter-jet-signed.html |archive-date= 24 August 2011}} In June 2021, the Turkish Air Force made an official presentation of the TF-X program to the media, which later became known as the TAI TF Kaan.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-18 |title=Turkey Displays Its Fifth-Gen Stealth Fighter Jet At Singapore Air Show; Looks For Customers, Partners In Asia |url=https://eurasiantimes.com/turkey-displays-its-fifth-gen-stealth-fighter-jet-at-singapore/ |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News |language=en-US}} The aircraft is designed and developed as a low-observable, twin-engine,{{Citation |url= http://www.janes.com/article/47750/turkey-advances-tfx-fighter-project-orders-new-rifles-more-f-35s-ch-47s |publisher= Jane’s |title= Turkey advances TFX fighter project, orders new rifles, more F-35s, CH-47s}} all-weather air superiority fighter{{Cite news|url= http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065979007&channel=defence |title=IDEF 2013: TAI reveals fifth generation fighter designs|publisher=IHS |work= Jane's Defence Weekly |date= 8 May 2013}} by TAI and BAE Systems as its sub-contractor.{{cite web |url= https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/bae-systems-signs-heads-of-agreement-for-a-future-contract-with-turkish-aerospace-industries-for-tf-x-programme |title=BAE Systems signs Heads of Agreement for a future contract with Turkish Aerospace Industries for TF-X Programme |publisher= BAE Systems |date=28 January 2017}}{{cite web|url= https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/our-stories/press-releases/2017/08-05-2017-rr-and-kale-group-create-defence-aero-engine-joint-venture.aspx|title= Rolls-Royce and Kale Group create defence aero engine joint venture|publisher= Rolls-Royce|date= 8 May 2017}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The TAI TF Kaan is planned to complement and eventually replace the F-16s of the Turkish Air Force and to be exported to foreign nations.{{cite web|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-replace-f-16s-with-local-jets-43867|title=Turkey to replace F-16s with local jets|publisher=Hürriyet Daily News|date=29 March 2013}} The runway tests of the prototype began on 16 March 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/our-first-full-look-at-turkeys-new-tf-x-stealthy-fighter|title=Our First Full Look At Turkey's New TF-X Stealthy Fighter|website=thedrive.com|author=Joseph Trevithick|date=17 March 2023}} The aircraft's maiden flight was successfully completed on 21 February 2024 and second flight was completed successfully on 6 May 2024.{{cite news |title=Türkiye's homegrown fighter jet KAAN conducts maiden test flight |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/turkiyes-homegrown-fighter-jet-kaan-conducts-maiden-test-flight/3143485 |access-date=21 February 2024 |work=www.aa.com.tr}}{{cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkiyes-first-fighter-jet-kaan-conducts-maiden-test-flight-17068461|title=Türkiye's first fighter jet KAAN conducts maiden test flight|publisher=TRT World|date=21 February 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Felstead |first=Peter |date=2024-05-09 |title=Turkey's Kaan fifth-generation fighter makes its second test flight - European Security & Defence |url=https://euro-sd.com/2024/05/major-news/37971/kaan-makes-second-test-flight/ |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=euro-sd.com |language=en-US}}

=Project MIUS=

File:Teknofest İstanbul 2023.jpg is a jet-powered UCAV developed for the Turkish Air Force and Turkish Navy.{{cite web|url=https://www.twz.com/turkeys-drone-carrier-amphibious-assault-ship-enters-service|title=Turkey's 'Drone Carrier' Amphibious Assault Ship Enters Service|author=Emma Helfrich|website=thedrive.com|date=11 April 2023}}]]

Bayraktar Kızılelma fighter drone and the flying wing type TAI Anka-3 strike drone are the two jet-powered, low-observable UCAVs developed as part of Project MIUS.

Bayraktar Kızılelma completed its first flight on 14 December 2022,{{cite web |url=https://baykartech.com/en/press/baykars-unmanned-fighter-aircraft-completes-first-flight/|title=Baykar's unmanned fighter aircraft completes first flight|website=baykartech.com |publisher=Baykar Technologies|date=15 December 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Herk |first=Hans van |title=Kızılelma takes to the sky! |url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/k-z-lelma-takes-to-the-sky |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=www.scramble.nl |date=14 December 2022 |language=en-GB}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxVpXGf8e8I|title=Bayraktar Kızılelma's Formation Flights — A First in Aviation History|publisher=Baykar Technologies|date=5 June 2023}} while TAI Anka-3 completed its first flight on 28 December 2023.

=TAI Hürjet=

File:Teknofest 2023 TAI Hürjet 2.png at Teknofest 2023]]

An advanced jet trainer named the TAI Hürjet is under development, and is planned to start replacing the T-38 Talon and CF5 by 2025.{{Cite web|last=Bekdil|first=Burak Ege|date=2018-02-20|title=Turkey to replace T-38 aircraft with locally built armed jet|url=https://www.defensenews.com/training-sim/2018/02/20/turkey-to-replace-t-38-aircraft-with-locally-built-armed-jet/|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Defense News|language=en-US}} The prototype made its first flight on 25 April 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-25 |title=Turkey's First Homegrown Manned Tactical Jet Has Flown |url=https://www.twz.com/turkeys-first-homegrown-manned-tactical-jet-has-flown |access-date=2024-02-27 |first=Thomas |last=Nedwick |publisher=The Warzone}}4 Block 0 prototypes and 12 Block 1 mass production aircraft was ordered.{{Cite web |title=HÜRJET için sipariş kesinleşti SSB Başkanı Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün: TUSAŞ ve SSB arasında imzalanan 4 adet Blok 0 HÜRJET'e ilave olarak 12 adet Blok 1 uçağı kapsama dahil ediyoruz. Bu kapsamda 12 uçak teslimatı kesin siparişe çevrilecek. Uçak teslimat tarihleri iyileştirilecek ve 1 yıl öne çekilecek. |url=https://gdh.digital/hurjet-icin-siparis-kesinlesti-ssb-baskani-prof-dr-haluk-gorgun-tusas-ve-ssb-arasinda-imzalanan-4-adet-blok-0-hurjete-ilave-olarak-12-adet-blok-1-ucagi-kapsama-dahil-ediyoruz-bu-kapsamda-12-ucak-teslimati-kesin-siparise-cevrilecek-ucak-teslimat-tarihleri-iyilestirilecek-ve-1-yil-one-cekilecek-110102 |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=gdh.digital}}

=TAI Hürkuş=

File:TAI_Hürkuş_Advanced_Trainer_A-C_Bourget_2017_(remix).jpg completed its first flight on 29 August 2013]]

The advanced basic trainer Hürkuş 2 is a newly developed model of the aircraft developed from the previous B variant and is expected to enter Turkey's inventory after 2025. 55 aircraft were ordered.{{Cite web|title=HÜRKUŞ-2 ilk uçuşuna hazırlanıyor |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/savunma-sanayisi/hurkus-2-ilk-ucusuna-hazirlaniyor/3101058 |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=aa.com.tr}}

=Lockheed Martin C130J Super Hercules=

Turkey will procure 12 C-130J-30(C4) Super Hercules transportation aircraft from RAF stocks.{{Cite web |title=An Overview of Fixed Wing Air Platform Procurement & Modernization Programs of the Turkish Air Force |url=https://www.defenceturkey.com/tr/icerik/an-overview-of-fixed-wing-air-platform-procurement-modernization-programs-of-the-turkish-air-force-6035 |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=www.defenceturkey.com}}

=Airbus A400M Atlas=

Turkey plans to procure 6 more A400M Atlas transportation aircraft from Spain.

=Airbus A330 MRTT=

Since 2021, there is a plan to replace the existing KC-135R Stratotanker aerial refueling tanker aircraft with the Airbus A330 MRTT.{{Cite news |date=July 2021|journal=Defence Turkey |volume=15|issue=108|title=TurAF to Replace KC-135R Stratotankers with A330 MRTT Aircraft |url=https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/turaf-to-replace-kc-135r-stratotankers-with-a330-mrtt-aircraft-4662 |access-date=2024-02-24}}

Structure

Prior to 2014, combatant units of the Turkish Air Force were organized under numbered 1st and 2nd Air Forces, which were respectively responsible for the western and eastern airspace. They were later unified into centralized Combatant Air Force and Air Defense Commands, which both are located in Eskişehir.{{Cite web |last=ANKARA |first=Cengizhan ÇATAL/ |date=2014-02-26 |title=Hava Kuvvetleri'ne yeni düzen |url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/hava-kuvvetleri-ne-yeni-duzen-25898583 |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=www.hurriyet.com.tr |language=tr}} 4th Main Jet Base Command was closed following the 2016 Turkish coup attempt and is now used as a temporary airfield for the Air Force.

= Chief of Staff of the Turkish Air Force =

  • Personnel Directorate
  • Intelligence Directorate
  • Operations Directorate
  • Logistics Directorate
  • Defense Plan and Project Management Directorate
  • Communications, Electronics and Information Systems Directorate
  • Evaluation and Inspection Directorate
  • Reconnaissance Satellites Command
  • Space Command
  • Air and Space Force Development Center

= Combatant Air Force =

1st Main Jet Base Command (Eskişehir)

  • 111st Squadron "Panthers"
  • 113rd Squadron "Gazelles" (Reconnaissance)
  • 401st Test Squadron
  • 311st UCAV OSEM Squadron "Peak" (Command & control)
  • Flight Health Research & Training Center

3rd Main Jet Base Command (Konya)

5th Main Jet Base Command (Amasya)

6th Main Jet Base Command (Balıkesir)

  • 161st Squadron "Eagle-Bat" (LANTIRN)
  • 162nd Squadron "Harpoon"

7th Main Jet Base Command (Malatya)

  • 171st Squadron "Pirates"
  • 172nd Squadron "Hawk"
  • 173rd Squadron "Dawn"

8th Main Jet Base Command (Diyarbakır)

  • 181st Squadron "Leopard" (LANTIRN)
  • 182nd Squadron "Hawk"
  • 202nd Squadron "Orient" (S&R)

9th Main Jet Base Command (Balıkesir)

  • 191st Squadron "Cobras"
  • 193rd Training Squadron

10th Main Jet Base Command (Incirlik)

  • 101st Aerial Refueling Squadron "Asenas"
  • 152nd Squadron "Raiders" (QRA)
  • 302nd UCAV Squadron "Lightning"

14th Unmanned Aircraft Systems Command (Batman)

  • 341st UCAV Squadron "Shadow"

= Air Defense Command =

15th Missile Base Command (Istanbul)

  • HAWK Group Command
  • Battalion Operations Center
  • 1st HAWK Squadron (12 launchers)
  • 2nd HAWK Squadron (12 launchers)
  • S-400 Group Command (Ankara)
  • 1st S-400 Squadron "Victory"

= Air Logistics Command =

11st Air Transportation Main Base Command (Ankara)

  • 211st Air Transportation Squadron "Voyager"
  • 212nd Special Squadron "Falcon" (VIP transport)

12nd Air Transportation Main Base Command (Kayseri)

  • 221st Air Transportation Squadron "Esen"
  • 222nd Air Transportation Squadron "Flame"

= Air Training Command =

2nd Main Jet Base Command (Izmir)

  • 121st Squadron "Wasp"
  • 122nd Squadron "Scorpion"
  • 123rd Squadron "Palaz"
  • 124th Standardized Squadron "Pioneer"
  • 125th Transportation & Helicopter Training Squadron "Puma"

Air Technical Schools Command (Izmir)

  • File:Uçak_Bakım_Okul_Komutanlığı.jpg Aircraft Maintenance School
  • Communications, Electronics and Information Systems School
  • Air Engineering School
  • Air Defense School
  • Air Supply and Administrative School
  • Air Transportation School
  • Air Security School
  • Ammunition Demolition School
  • Operational Preparedness and Officer Development School
  • Education Administrators and Teachers School

= Geographic locations =

{{Location map+ |Turkey |float=center |width=840 |relief= 1 |caption=Turkish Air Force bases 2024
Fighter bases: 10px F-16C/D Falcon 10px F-16C/D Falcon / F-4E 2020T Terminator 10px Unmanned aerial vehicles
Training bases: 10px F-16C/D Falcon 10px T-38M Talon
Other bases: 10px Missile bases 10px Other flying units
Air-surveillance: 9px Radar station 9px Command and Control Center

|places=

{{Location map~ |Turkey |lat=39.78389 |long=30.58194 |position=left |mark=Blue pog.svg |marksize=10 |background= white |label= {{nowrap|Eskişehir}}}}

{{Location map~ |Turkey |lat=38.51278 |long=27.01000 |position=top |mark=Pink pog.svg |marksize=10 |background= white |label= {{nowrap|Çiğli}}}}

{{Location map~ |Turkey |lat=37.97900 |long=32.56186 |position=right |mark=Purple pog.svg |marksize=10 |background= white |label= {{nowrap|Konya}}}}

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{{Location map~ |Turkey |lat=40.31778 |long=27.97722 |position=right |mark=Blue 0080ff pog.svg |marksize=10 |background= white |label= {{nowrap|Bandırma}}}}

{{Location map~ |Turkey |lat=38.43528 |long=38.09083 |position=right |mark=Yellow pog.svg |marksize=10 |background= white |label= {{nowrap|Erhaç}}}}

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{{Location map~ |Turkey |lat=39.61917 |long=27.92583 |position=right |mark=Blue 0080ff pog.svg |marksize=10 |background= white |label= {{nowrap|Balıkesir}}}}

{{Location map~ |Turkey |lat=37.00194 |long=35.42583 |position=right |mark=Green 008000 pog.svg |marksize=10 |background= white |label= {{nowrap|İncirlik}}}}

{{Location map~ |Turkey |lat=38.77028 |long=35.49528 |position=right |mark=Green 008000 pog.svg |marksize=10 |background= white |label= {{nowrap|Erkilt}}}}

{{Location map~ |Turkey |lat=37.93222 |long=41.11639 |position=right |mark=Yellow pog.svg |marksize=10 |background= white |label= {{nowrap|Batman}}}}

{{Location map~ |Turkey |lat=41.05175 |long=29.22595 |position=left |mark=Red pog.svg |marksize=10 |background= white |label= {{nowrap|Alemdağ}}}}

{{Location map~ |Turkey |lat= 39.949831 |long= 32.688622 |position=right |mark=Green 008000 pog.svg |marksize=10 |background= white |label= {{nowrap|Etimesgut}}}}

{{Location map~ |Turkey |lat=38.31911 |long=27.15935 |position=bottom |mark=Green 008000 pog.svg |marksize=10 |background= white |label= {{nowrap|Gaziemir}}}}

{{Location map~ | Turkey | background = white |label= |lat=39.83925 |long= 32.83525 |position=left |mark=Orange pog.svg}}

{{Location map~ | Turkey | background = white |label= {{nowrap|Ahlatlıbel}} |lat= 39.83925 |long= 32.69525 |position=bottom |mark=Lightgreen pog.svg}}

{{Location map~ | Turkey | background = white |label= {{nowrap|Körfez}}|lat= 40.783333 |long= 29.733333 |position=right |mark=Orange pog.svg}}

{{Location map~ | Turkey | background = white |label= {{nowrap|Karabelen}}|lat= 38.42 |long= 27.14 |position=right |mark=Orange pog.svg}}

{{Location map~ | Turkey | background = white |label= {{nowrap|Çanakkale}}|lat= 40.155833 |long= 26.413611 |position=right |mark=Orange pog.svg}}

{{Location map~ | Turkey | background = white |label= {{nowrap|Erzurum}}|lat= 39.908611 |long= 41.276944 |position=right |mark=Orange pog.svg}}

{{Location map~ | Turkey | background = white |label= {{nowrap|Datça}}|lat= 36.7283 |long= 27.6869 |position=right |mark=Orange pog.svg}}

{{Location map~ | Turkey | background = white |label= {{nowrap|Inebolu}}|lat=41.95|long= 34.583333 |position=right |mark=Orange pog.svg}}

{{Location map~ | Turkey | background = white |label= {{nowrap|İskenderun}}|lat= 36.5817 |long= 36.165 |position=right |mark=Orange pog.svg}}

{{Location map~ | Turkey | background = white |label= {{nowrap|Rize}}|lat= 41.024722 |long= 40.522222 |position=right |mark=Orange pog.svg}}

}}

=Squadrons=

The above commands consist of:{{Cite web|url=http://www.scramble.nl/tr.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001022410/http://www.scramble.nl/tr.htm|url-status=dead|title=Scramble on the Web: Turkish Air Force - Order of Battle|archive-date=1 October 2010}}

Insignia

style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"

{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OF/Blank}}

{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OF/Turkey}}

style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"

{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OR/Blank}}

{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OR/Turkey}}

  • OF3, OF2, & OR2 translate to "Head of 1000", "Head of 100", and "Head of 10" respectively.

Gallery

File:U S Army Soldiers train shoulder to shoulder with Turkish Air Force (7848310).jpg|U.S. Army 2nd Lt. and a Turkish Air Force non-commissioned officer trade uniform patches during DEFENDER 23.

File:U S Army Soldiers train shoulder to shoulder with Turkish Air Force (7848314).jpg|U.S. Army Col. speaks with Turkish coalition partners during DEFENDER 23.

File:200305-A-DD152-1013.jpg|Solo Türk team pose for a photo during the Tunisia International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition.

File:Commander of the Turkish Air Force General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu in a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia on March 11, 2025 - 36.jpg|Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Daniel DeVoe, right, says fairwell to Commander of the Turkish Air Force Gen. Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, left, upon his departure of Arlington National Cemetery.

File:Helo delivery mission, displays Turkish, American partnership 120503-F-VO466-008.jpg|A US staff sergeant gives a safety briefing to two Turkish Air Force UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilots

File:Riaz With Turkish Air Force 15.jpg|Air Force Academy cadets in 90s

File:(left to right) US Air Force Captain Andrea Gormel, 39th Wing CHIEF of Military Justice, First Lieutenant Kader Sumer, Turkish Air Force Communications Squadron Commander, Captain O - DPLA - 4103569580480871bae042d1413efa54.jpeg|US and Turkish airmen pose for a group photo during the Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement inspection at Incirlik Air Base

File:Turkish army irak.jpg|A U.S. Air Force Airman from 506th Air Expeditionary Group, a U.S. Army Soldier and a Turkish Air Force pilot transport an Iraqi child to safety during a multinational humanitarian airlift effort on Kirkuk Regional Air Base.

See also

Footnotes

{{notelist}}

References

{{reflist|30em}}

Bibliography

  • {{cite journal |last1=Morgan|first1=Eric B.|last2=Burnet|first2=Charles|name-list-style=amp |title=Walrus... Amphibious Angel of Mercy|journal=Air Enthusiast |date=December 1981 – March 1982 |issue=17 |pages=13–25 |issn=0143-5450}}