A Turkish Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed in eastern Georgia on Tuesday after taking off from Azerbaijan’s Ganja city, with at least 20 military personnel on board. Search and rescue operations were launched immediately, though the number of casualties and the cause of the crash remain unclear.
Rescue Teams Rush to Remote Crash Site
The crash occurred near Georgia’s Sighnaghi municipality in the Kakheti region, close to the Azerbaijan border. Early footage from the scene showed burning wreckage scattered across open fields, with thick black smoke rising from the debris. Georgian Interior Minister Gela Geladze confirmed that rescue crews had reached the site by late afternoon, with operations ongoing to locate survivors.
Erdogan, Aliyev Express Condolences
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan halted a speech in Ankara upon receiving news of the crash, expressing grief for “our martyrs” — a term he uses for military personnel who lose their lives in service.
After a phone call with Erdoğan, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev also extended condolences over “the loss of servicemen” and offered full support to the Turkish side.
Turkey’s Defence Ministry confirmed that 20 personnel, including the flight crew, were on board but did not disclose whether any Azerbaijani officers were among them.
International Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
The United States ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and reaffirmed U.S. solidarity with its NATO ally.
Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the C-130 Hercules, also issued a statement expressing condolences and pledged technical support during the investigation.
Georgia’s Interior Ministry has opened an inquiry under its criminal code relating to air transport incidents resulting in loss of life.
About the C-130 Hercules Aircraft
The C-130 Hercules, developed by U.S. firm Lockheed Martin, is one of the world’s most widely used military transport planes. Known for its durability and ability to operate from short or unprepared runways, the four-engine turboprop aircraft serves multiple roles including cargo transport, troop movement, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation.
