Turkey confirmed on Wednesday that 20 soldiers died in a tragic incident when a military transport aircraft crashed in Georgia the previous day. The C-130 cargo plane, originating from Azerbaijan and bound for Turkey, went down in Georgia, scattering debris across a grassy area. While the cause of the crash remains unknown, Turkish and Georgian authorities commenced investigations at the crash site located in Georgia’s Kakheti district.
Videos circulating on social media showed the aircraft breaking apart in the air before spiraling down to the ground in flames. The Turkish Defence Ministry released the names of the 20 soldiers who lost their lives in the crash. The C-130 military cargo plane, a key asset for Turkey’s armed forces in logistical operations, is widely utilized by the military.
The U.S. company Lockheed Martin, manufacturer of the C-130 Hercules aircraft, expressed condolences and pledged support to Turkey during the inquiry. The C-130 Hercules, known for its versatility and ability to operate from unprepared runways, serves various military functions including troop and equipment transport.
Analysts noted that footage suggested the aircraft disintegrated mid-flight, indicating the need for Turkey to update its aging C-130 fleet. The crashed plane, which was 57 years old and acquired by the Turkish Air Force in 2010, had been in service for over a decade. Turkish and Azerbaijani officials, as well as international leaders, extended their sympathies following the tragic loss of lives in the military plane crash.