Turkish Air Force
The Turkish Air Force (Turkish: Türk Hava Kuvvetleri) is the aerial warfare service branch of the Turkish Armed Forces. It traces its origins to June 1911 when it was founded as the Aviation Squadrons by the Ottoman Empire.[5] 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.[1]
Turkish Air Force
Turkey
50,000 active personnel
65,000 reserve personnel
- Grey
- White
- Blue
1 June[4]
List of conflicts involving Turkey
- War of Independence
- Beytussebab rebellion
- Ararat rebellion
- Dersim rebellion
- Korean War
- Battle of Tillyria
- Invasion of Cyprus
- Operations against the PKK
- 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
- Operation Spring Shield
General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu
Lieutenant General Rafet Dalkıran
In 1998, the Turkish Armed Forces announced a program of modernization worth US$160 billion over a twenty-year period in various projects,[6] 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).[7]
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.[8]: 143–144 In terms of aircraft quantity, it is the largest air force in Europe.[8]: 51
The world's first black pilot, Ahmet Ali Çelikten,[9] and the world's first female fighter pilot, Sabiha Gökçen,[10] both served in the Turkish Air Force.
Future[edit]
Airbus A330 MRTT[edit]
Since 2021, there is a plan to replace the existing KC-135R Stratotanker aerial refueling tanker aircraft with the Airbus A330 MRTT.[94]
Eurofighter Typhoon[edit]
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.[95] 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.[96]
This article incorporates from The World Factbook (2024 ed.). CIA. (Archived 2004 edition.)
