The Ministry of National Defence (MSB) has released a detailed statement regarding the C-130 military cargo aircraft that crashed on 11 November 2025 near the Azerbaijan–Georgia border.
The ministry reported that 20 soldiers were martyred in the accident and announced that technical investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing.
“No Family Should Learn of a Martyrdom Through Social Media”
In its statement, the MSB condemned the sharing of the martyrs’ identities on social media before official notifications were made.
The ministry said:
“No mother or father should learn of their child’s martyrdom, no spouse of their partner’s, and no child of their parent’s martyrdom through social media.”
It was also announced that legal action has been initiated against the accounts that unlawfully shared information about the martyrs.
Mission, Route and Flight Information
According to the MSB, the C-130E aircraft with tail number 68-1609 took off from Kayseri on the morning of 11 November to transport personnel and equipment to Ganja, Azerbaijan.
After successfully completing its mission, the aircraft took off again at 13:15 to carry maintenance crew and materials to Merzifon.
Last radio contact: 13:50
Crash time: 14:34
Crash site: Azerbaijan–Georgia border
Rescue Teams Reached the Wreckage at 15:02
Following the crash, coordinated search and rescue operations were launched with Azerbaijani and Georgian teams.
Georgian teams reached the wreckage at 15:02 and secured the area.
The ministry stated that 20 soldiers were martyred, and their remains would be brought back to Türkiye for a military ceremony.
“No Ammunition Was Onboard”
Responding to certain social media claims following the crash, the MSB stated:
“There was no ammunition on our aircraft. Only personnel and aircraft maintenance materials were being transported.”
Investigation Into the Cause of the Crash Continues
It was announced that technical investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
The aircraft’s black boxes (FDR and CVDR) have been brought to Türkiye and are under examination in Ankara.
The exact cause of the incident will be determined once the crash investigation team completes its work.
Aircraft Background and Maintenance Status
According to the MSB statement, the C-130E aircraft that crashed was purchased from Saudi Arabia in 2012 and entered service in 2014.
Its modernisation was completed in 2022, and all maintenance records were up to date. The last scheduled maintenance took place between 11 September and 12 October 2025.
The statement added:
“The aircraft in question was acquired as surplus equipment; it was not decommissioned.”
C-130 Flights Suspended as a Precaution
The MSB announced that flights of all C-130 aircraft in the fleet have been suspended as of 12 November as a precautionary measure.
Flights will resume once safety inspections are completed and the aircraft are deemed airworthy.
Message of Gratitude and Condolence
The ministry thanked the authorities of Georgia and Azerbaijan for their support during the search and rescue operations.
The statement concluded:
“We wish Allah’s mercy upon our martyrs and extend our condolences to their grieving families, the Turkish Armed Forces, and our noble nation.”
