Turkey confirmed on Wednesday that all 20 people aboard a military cargo plane that crashed in eastern Georgia have died. The tragic incident occurred as the aircraft was returning from Azerbaijan, marking a devastating loss for the Turkish armed forces.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The ill-fated C-130 Hercules military cargo plane had taken off from Ganja airport in western Azerbaijan on Tuesday afternoon. According to Turkey's defence ministry, the aircraft crashed shortly after crossing the border into eastern Georgia.
Defence Minister Yasar Guler confirmed the tragic news in a statement posted on his X account, alongside photographs of the 20 victims. "Our heroic comrades-in-arms were martyred on 11 November 2025 due to the crash of our C-130 military cargo aircraft, which had taken off from Azerbaijan to return to Turkey," Guler stated.
Crash Location and Immediate Response
Georgia's interior ministry confirmed the plane went down in the Sighnaghi area, approximately five kilometers (3.1 miles) from Georgia's state border with Azerbaijan. The location suggests the aircraft crashed almost immediately after entering Georgian airspace.
Georgian air traffic control reported that the plane disappeared from radar shortly after entering its airspace without transmitting any distress signal. Emergency services were first to alert authorities about the crash, indicating the sudden nature of the incident.
Eyewitness Accounts and Investigation
While Turkish authorities have not disclosed the cause of the accident, dramatic footage emerged showing the plane's final moments. Eyewitness videos published by Azerbaijani media appear to show the aircraft spinning horizontally as it fell from the sky, with several pieces of debris visible alongside the main fuselage.
The C-130 Hercules involved in the crash is manufactured by American defense contractor Lockheed Martin. This workhorse military transport aircraft has been in service with air forces worldwide for decades, known for its reliability and versatility in various military operations.
The crash represents one of the most significant losses for the Turkish military in recent years, with all 20 personnel onboard, including flight crew members, confirmed dead. The incident has prompted condolences from international allies and initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
