On November 11, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules military cargo aircraft operated by the Turkish Air Force crashed in the territory of Sighnaghi Municipality in Georgia’s Kakheti region, near the border with Azerbaijan. The plane had taken off from Ganja International Airport in Azerbaijan and was heading to Türkiye when it lost contact shortly after entering Georgian airspace.

Facts and Speculations

Georgian authorities launched a criminal case into the crash, securing the site and coordinating operations with Turkish and Azerbaijani officials. The Report News Agency noted that the aircraft had been on standby in Ganja for only two hours before departure, with no sign of external interference. The personnel on board were technical staff servicing F-16 aircraft participating in a military parade, and the cargo consisted of mechanical spare parts—no explosives were present.

Initial reports ruled out an explosion or external attack, citing the absence of fuselage damage, unlike the AZAL aircraft shot down over Grozny in December 2024. Investigators are considering two possible causes: structural corrosion due to the aircraft’s age—it was last overhauled in 2020—or cargo displacement during flight, which could have damaged the fuselage. The search for the black boxes was expected to be swift, as the plane crashed in a flat area accessible to rescue teams.

Türkiye’s Haber Global TV reported that the aircraft’s long service life and potential fuselage corrosion could be the likely cause of the crash. The channel cited experts who compared the case to a 2019 C-130 crash in Arizona, where similar structural fatigue was identified. Another theory suggested that improperly secured cargo might have shifted mid-flight, damaging the fuselage. The Turkish Ministry of National Defense confirmed that all 20 soldiers aboard the C-130 had perished. "On November 11, a C-130 military cargo aircraft crashed near the Georgia–Azerbaijan border, resulting in the deaths of 20 of our soldiers. Search-and-rescue operations and investigations into the crash site were launched in coordination with Georgian authorities," the ministry stated.

Taken Actions

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Turkish authorities are coordinating with the governments of Azerbaijan and Georgia regarding search and rescue operations. "We have learned that our aircraft has crashed. Relevant authorities are continuing search efforts to locate the wreckage. God willing, we will come through this tragedy with minimal loss. May Allah have mercy on our martyrs—our prayers are with them," Erdoğan said. The Turkish Presidential Administration stated that both Georgia and Türkiye are jointly investigating the crash, with Azerbaijan providing full support "from the first moment," calling it another example of the countries’ brotherhood.

On November 12, Georgian authorities completely sealed the crash site, located about five kilometers from the Azerbaijani border near Kholagiri Monastery. Only Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs personnel and rescue teams were permitted entry. All 20 individuals aboard were confirmed dead. Search operations continued despite poor visibility, with helicopters and ground teams deployed. Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that a criminal case was opened regarding a possible violation of aviation safety rules. The operation was being conducted in close coordination with Türkiye and Azerbaijan. Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler held phone conversations with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defense Zakir Hasanov, Georgia’s Minister of Defense Irakli Chikovani, and Azerbaijan’s Chief of the General Staff Karim Valiyev to coordinate ongoing operations. President Erdoğan also spoke by phone with the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze, who expressed condolences and discussed cooperation in search and rescue efforts.

Condolences

Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, sent a message of condolences to President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. "We were deeply saddened by the tragic news of the loss of servicemen in the crash of a Turkish Air Force military cargo plane, which took off from Ganja and crashed in Georgian territory," Aliyev stated. "In this moment of sorrow, I share your grief and, on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, extend heartfelt condolences to you, the families and loved ones of the deceased, and the fraternal people of Türkiye".

Later the same day, President Ilham Aliyev made a phone call to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, reiterating Azerbaijan’s condolences and offering assistance in the ongoing response. The two leaders agreed that their respective state institutions would remain in close contact concerning the incident. Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov made a phone call to Türkiye’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, expressing condolences and reiterating Azerbaijan’s readiness to assist in search and rescue efforts. Hakan Fidan expressed gratitude for the support. US Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack also conveyed condolences, stating: "Deeply saddened by today’s tragic crash of a Turkish Armed Forces aircraft. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen, the Turkish Armed Forces, and the people of Türkiye. The United States stands in solidarity with our Turkish allies".
President of Georgia Mikheil Kavelashvili conveyed condolences to President Erdoğan, stating on X, "This horrific tragedy has brought great sorrow to Georgia" and affirming solidarity with "the people of Türkiye in these painful and difficult moments".

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also expressed sympathy, writing: "Deepest condolences to our Ally Türkiye and the loved ones of all those lost in the tragic crash of a Turkish military plane today. We honour their service and are deeply grateful for all that the Turkish Armed Forces—and indeed all our men and women in uniform across the Alliance—do to keep us safe every day".