TR TÜRKIYE'S F-16 ADVENTURE

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TURKEY’S F-16 ADVENTURE​

1. Aviation Features
2. Turkey’s F-16 Adventure

19th February 2025
FEATURE
Turkey has one of the biggest Lockheed Martin F-16 fleets in the world. Cem Dogut looks at how these jets have protected the vast country

F-16C Block 40Ms of 161 Filo ‘Yarasalar’ (‘Bats’) from Bandirma, seen on a NATO air policing mission over Poland in 2021. They are loaded with two AIM-120 AMRAAMs and two AIM-9 Sidewinders each – a standard CAP or QRA mission load. It is common to carry different AIM-120 variants in the same aircraft in the TurAF. The closest, 91-0008, has an AIM-120B under the right wing (not seen here) and an AIM-120C under the left wing is also a MiG killer, having shot down a Syrian MiG-23, with an AIM-120B AMRAAM in 2014
All photos, author
IT ALL started on December 9, 1983, when a letter of acceptance (LOA) was signed with the Ronald Reagan-led US government: Turkey’s F-16 adventure. The deal for 160 F-16s, comprising 136 F-16Cs, 24 F-16Ds and known as the Peace Onyx, was worth a staggering US$4bn. Under the agreement, the first eight aircraft would be manufactured at the General Dynamics Fort Worth facility, with the remainder built at Turkish Aircraft Industries Corporation (Türk Havacılık ve Uzay Sanayi Anonim Şirketi – TUSAŞ. General Electric’s F110-GE-100 engine was selected in August 1984 to power these new, cutting-edge F-16C/Ds. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) started F-16 production on February 2, 1987, on the front, middle and rear fuselage assemblies. Production of the rear and middle fuselage began in 1988 and the wing in 1989. The first F-16 aircraft were delivered to the Turkish Air Force in a ceremony held at General Dynamics Fort Worth on July 17, 1987 and the first F-16C Block 30 (86-0068) manufactured at TAI carried out its maiden flight on October 14 that year. Six days later the first four F-16Ds were delivered to Turkey from the USA, amid great fanfare. By January 1990, 32 F-16C Block 30s and three F-16D Block 30s had been manufactured and the Block 40s, starting at the 44th aircraft, began delivery. Initially, the production process only involved assembly of parts, but TAI later manufactured 70% of the aircraft fuselage.

After Turkey changed its rules of engagement against Syria in 2012, CAP F-16s carried live ammunition in areas close to Syrian airspace. F-16C Block 50Ms of the 141 ‘Kurt’ Filo were among them. This squadron was the most prestigious F-16 unit before being shut down after the attempted coup in 2016. Since it was based in Ankara, all high-ranking generals in the headquarters flew with 141. When the squadron started flying F-104s in the 1960s, the sound of the Starfighter was likened to the howl of a wolf, and the squadron’s callsign became Wolf (Kurt)
The Peace Onyx-II (PO-II) programme started on March 26, 1992, covering the acquisition of 80 F-16C/D Block 50s: 60 F-16C and 20 F-16Ds. Production started in July 1996 and with this project, Turkish Aerospace increased its aircraft manufacturing rate to 80% with the addition of the front fuselage parts and flaperons. The last airplane of the PO-II programme was delivered on November 12, 1999. Peace Onyx-III (PO-III) was effectively the CCIP (Common Configuration Implementation Program) and was contracted on January 19, 2010. Under this, a total of 165 F-16C/D Block 40 and Block 50 aircraft were modernised. TAI delivered the first aircraft to the Turkish Air Force on November 2, 2011. The PO-III programme was successfully completed on April 10, 2015, with the delivery of the F-16D Block 40M (aircraft that received CCIP modernisation are identified with M) with tail number 89-0044. While the CCIP project was continuing, 30 F-16C/D Block 50+ were ordered under Peace Onyx-IV (PO-IV) to replace the jets that had been lost. In December 2006, a decision was made to purchase 30 F-16 Block 50+ (16 Ds and 14 Cs) from Lockheed Martin through foreign military sales (FMS). The programme ended with the last F-16D Block 50+ (07-1030) delivered on December 11, 2012. Unlike the PO-III, the PO-IV aircraft are equipped with the AN/ALQ-211(V)4 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS) and carry conformal fuel tanks, while the F-16D Block 50+ aircraft feature a dorsal spine. In this way, the AN/ALQ-211(V)4 can be carried internally, allowing the aircraft to be used for combat missions.

The 401st Test Squadron uses the orange CDART (Camera Data Acquisition Recording Telemetry) pod you see on the right wing tip for external load separation tests. It has AIM-120 geometry and inertial characteristics. The pod has two high-speed cameras that enable measurements to be made about the image with the help of reference points on the aircraft and the external load to be dropped. Data collected from the pod and the aircraft are recorded, allowing simultaneous transmission to the ground station. You can also see the TEBER ammunition under the wing; TEBER is an INS/GPS guidance kit
Turkish Air Force F-16C/Ds Bases/Squadrons
4. Ana Jet Üs Komutanlığ ı (4th Main Jet Base Command)

The 4th AJÜ/4th MJB in Ankara became the first F-16 base of the Turkish Air Force – TurAF), adjacent to TAI and using the same runway. The base is 22 miles (35kms) northwest of Ankara. The July 15, 2016, coup attempt was planned and co-ordinated at this base, so Akıncı base was downgraded to reserve airfield status by the TurAF in September 2016 and its name was subsequently returned to Mürted (meaning coward, which was the reason it was initially renamed). The base squadrons were transferred to different bases and today the facility hosts the Russian S-400 air defence system.
• 143 ‘Öncel’ Filo

The first F-16 squadron to be established was 143 ‘Öncel’ Filo (143rd ‘Öncel’ Squadron) on July 15, 1987 and received its first F-16 in a state ceremony on October 20, 1987. The main mission of the squadron is to train F-16 pilots. Officers who become F-16 pilots after flying training at the 2nd Main Jet Base in Çiğli, İzmir, are assigned initially to 143 Filo, where they receive ground lessons and then flight training with simulators, before flying F-16Ds with an instructor. As they progress in training, they become combat-ready F-16C pilots.

Along with the CCIP modernisation, new missiles were ordered. One of them was the AGM-154 joint stand-off weapon seen on this 182 ‘Atmaca’ (‘Hawk’) Filo F-16D; precision-guided, long-range glide bomb developed by Raytheon. This is the AGM-154C version, equipped with a BROACH multi-stage penetrating warhead, designed for hardened and fortified targets like bunkers and command centres. It carries an infrared seeker used in the terminal phase, together with INS/GPS guidance
After the coup attempt, 143 Filo was initially sent to the 5th AJÜ (Main Jet Base) in Merzifon re-numbered 153 Filo and then later to the 9th AJÜ in Balıkesir as the 193 Filo, where it is today.

• 142 ‘Ceylan’ (‘Gazelle’) Filo
The 142 ‘Ceylan’ Filo, established on April 11, 1952, received its first F-16s on July 3, 1989. A total of 20 F-16 aircraft – three F-16Ds and 17 F-16Cs – entered the squadron’s inventory, 142 Filo becoming the first combat F-16 squadron of the TurAF. After the coup attempt, the 142 Filo was sent to the 1st Main Jet Base in Eskişehir and became 113 Filo.

• 141 ‘Kurt’ (‘Wolf’) Filo
The 141 ‘Kurt’ Filo, established on March 25, 1963, received its first F-16s on February 26, 1990. The squadron participated in the TLP course held in Belgium in 2000 and 2001. With the experience gained here, the 141 Filo ran the F-16 Weapon Tactics Course for the first time in the history of the TurAF, on February 12, 2001. The first Anatolian Eagle training exercise, held in Konya June 18-29, 2001, was planned and conducted by the 141 Filo. After the attempted coup, the 141 Filo was sent to the 5th Main Jet Base in Merzifon under the name of the 151 Filo. After a while, ‘Wolf’ Squadron was disbanded.

The DB-110 reconnaissance pods were ordered on December 24, 2012. New operational flight programme software had to be prepared for integration into the F-16C Block 30. The F-16C Block-30TM aircraft into which the pods were integrated were modernised and the old-generation mission computer in the aircraft was replaced with a mission computer from a CCIP Block 40 aircraft. This F-16 served with 141 ‘Ceylan’ (‘Gazelle’) Filo. It currently flies as 113 ‘Ceylan’ (‘Gazelle’) Filo.

6. Ana Jet Üs Komutanlığ ı (6th Main Jet Base Command)
The 6th AJÜ/6th MJB is located in Bandırma, a district on the Marmaras coast, 50 miles (80kms) from Balıkesir city centre. The 6th MJB began modernising with F-16C/ Ds in 1991. Together with the 9th Main Jet Base in Balıkesir, it is responsible for the security of Western Anatolia.

• 162 ‘Zıpkın’ (‘Harpoon’) Filo
The transfer of the 6th Hunting Regiment to the newly completed Bandırma Airfield on November 24, 1949 is considered to be the establishment of the squadron. The 162 Filo received its F-16 aircraft at a state ceremony on May 1, 1991. The squadron, which operated in the air defence role until July 1, 1999, served as a LANTIRN (Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night) squadron for a short time. On July 3, 2000, the LANTIRN systems of 16 F-16Cs and two F-16Ds in the squadron inventory were transferred to the 181 Filo. After this date, 162 Filo started to perform air defence missions again.

The 151 ‘Tunç’ (‘Bronze’) Filo has the motto ‘Keepers of the East’. The squadron is responsible for the air defence of Turkey’s troubled border with Syria and Iraq and achieved the first air-to-air kill after the increased tension with Syria in 2012. One of its F-16s shot down a Mi-17 and MiG-23 of the Syrian Arab Air Force. The words Savaşçıların Üssü mean ‘Base of the Warriors’ and they are written across the top of its tail

• 161 ‘Kartal’ (‘Eagle’) Filo
The 161 Filo was established in 1952. Forty years later, on June 19, 1992, the 161 Filo was equipped with F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The establishment of the LANTIRN system, which provided the air force with a night operation capability, first started with 161 Filo in 1993. On July 1, 1994, training was completed and the unit became the first LANTIRN-capable Turkish squadron. The TurAF was the first operator of the LANTIRN system outside the United States.

: The F-16C Block 50+ with the bat emblem on its tail belongs to 161 ‘Kartal’ (‘Eagle’) Filo, one of the two TurAF LANTIRN squadrons. The 161st is the only squadron with two different tail emblems: the bat symbolises dominance at night; the eagle emblem on the other side of the tail symbolises dominance in the day. Makes sense!

When SoloTürk was first established, it served 141 Filo. This F-16D Block 40, 91-0022, is the jet the SoloTürk pilot trained in. In this shot, it is landing on the Konya runway for Anatolian Eagle training

The 181 ‘Pars’ (‘Leopard’) Filo flies both Block 50+ and Block 40Ms and is the other LANTIRN squadron. It is the most active unit in counter-terrorism operations at home and abroad. This photo was taken at the 7th Main Jet Base in Malatya. Depending on requirements, aircraft from different bases come here to participate in operations
9. Ana Jet Üs Komutanlığ ı (9th Main Jet Base Command)
The 9th AJÜ/9th MJB is located in the Altıeylül district of Balıkesir and was established in 1951 as Turkey’s first jet base. The 9th AJÜ began conversion to F-16C/Ds in 1993.

• 192 ‘Kaplan’ (‘Tiger’) Filo
The 192 Filo was equipped with F-84G Thunderjets in 1952, within the 9th AJÜ. On June 8, 1993, the 192 Filo was modernised with F-16s and since 1990 has been a member of the Tiger Association, thus traditionally participating in the Tiger Meet once a year.

• 191 ‘Kobra’ (‘Cobra’) Filo
The unit stood up as 191 Filo in 1951, operating P-47D Thunderbolts. On September 23, 1994, the 191 Filo was modernised with F-16 Block 40s that were replaced by Block 50s on June 23, 1998.

• 193 ‘Öncel’ Filo
After the coup attempt, the 143 Filo was first sent to the 5th AJÜ in Merzifon as 153 Filo and then to the 9th AJÜ in Balıkesir as 193 Filo, where it currently operates.

Delivered at a ceremony held at the General Dynamics Fort Worth facility on July 17, 1987, the F-16C Block 30, 86-0066, became the first single-seat F-16 delivered to the Turkish Air Force. With the F-16 Block 30 Structural Modernisation Program contract signed on August 10, 2015, the 8,000-hour fuselage life of the 35 F-16C/D Block 30s in the inventory is being extended by 4,000 hours to 12,000 hours. This photo was taken during modernisation

The Anatolian Eagle Training Centre has become one of the world’s leading centres of training excellence. All F-16 squadrons participate in the Anatolian Eagle exercise, which is one of the largest and most important exercises in Europe in terms of scope, number of participants and technologies used. This pilot from the 162 ‘Zıpkın’ Filo departs Konya during Anatolian Eagle 2023

The 132 Weapons and Tactics Filo flies as Red Air during Anatolian Eagle training, which is why it calls itself ‘Red Daggers’. In 2021, the vertical tails and horizontal stabilisers of its aircraft were painted red to depict the role
8. Ana Jet Üs Komutanlığ ı (8th Main Jet Base Command)
The 8th AJÜ/8th MJB is located in Diyarbakır province in southeastern Turkey. It is the closest base to the areas where anti-terror operations are carried out in the region, both domestically and abroad. It is the most active combat flight base in Turkey.

• 181 ‘Pars’ (‘Leopard’) Filo
The squadron, which was established in Erzincan in 1947, started to serve in Diyarbakır on June 23, 1952. On November 5, 1994, the 181 Filo retired its CF-104G Starfighters with F-16s. On July 3, 2000, the squadron’s F-16s were equipped with the LANTIRN capability, and F-16C/D Block 40s equipped with AN/AAQ-13 navigation and AN/AAQ-14 targeting pods began operating.

• 182 ‘Atmaca’ (‘Hawk’) Filo
Established in Erzincan in 1947, the squadron began operating from Diyarbakır on June 23, 1952 as the 183 Filo. On April 4, 1972, that was changed to 182 Filo and on October 26, 1996, the 182 Filo saw the TurAF’s last Starfighters replaced by F-16s. The main task of the squadron is the air defence of eastern Turkey.

The TurAF F-16s all use parachutes, except for the Block 50s. This F-16C Block 40M rolls towards the end of the runway with both parachute and air brakes extended The 132 Weapons and Tactics Filo flies as Red Air during Anatolian Eagle training, which is why it calls itself ‘Red Daggers’. In 2021, the vertical tails and horizontal stabilisers of its aircraft were painted red to depict the role
5. Ana Jet Üs Komutanlığ ı (5th Main Jet Base Command)
The 5th AJÜ/5th MJB is located in the Merzifon district of Amasya and is responsible for air defence of the Black Sea Region. It was established in 1956, with the transfer of F-86E Sabres to Merzifon.

• 151 ‘Tunç’ (‘Bronze’) Filo
The squadron was formed on September 11, 1956 at Merzifon. On June 11, 1999, the 151 Filo was modernised with F-16s with its primary mission defined as SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defence). The first AGM-88 HARM firing in Turkey was carried out on April 18, 2006 against Nike radars located in the Karapınar/Konya firing range, and the targets were successfully destroyed in both firings.

• 152 ‘Akıncı’ (‘Raiders’) Filo
On March 10, 1997, ten F-16 Block-50s serving the 4th AJÜ became part of 152 Filo and were transferred to the Merzifon 5th AJÜ Command in April 1997; 152 Filo then moved from Merzifon to Incirlik after the July 2016 coup attempt, initially temporarily, but now serving permanently at the large base. As a result its 10 Tanker Üs Komutanlığı” (10th Tanker Base Command) title changed to 10 Ana Jet Üs Komutanlığı (10th Main Jet Base Command) in April 2024, to better reflect its role. The 152 Filo became the squadron of this newly established base.

3. Ana Jet Üs Komutanlığ ı (3rd Main Jet Base Command)
The 3rd AJÜ/3rd MJB is located in Konya and is one of the most active bases in Turkey. Numerous exercises, especially the Anatolian Eagle, are held at this base every year.

The 401 Test Filo is a special squadron within the TurAF; all weaponry developed by Turkey is tested by this unit and pilots serve the squadron after training at the International Test Pilots School (ITPS) in Canada. The HGK-2bomb with INS/GPS guidance kit is seen under the wing. This ammunition is the equivalent of American JDAMs. The kits can fitted to Mk-82, Mk-83 and Mk-84 weapons

Reinforcement plates on the dorsal of this F-16D Block 40M belonging to 152 ‘Akıncılar’ Filo are clearly seen here. The F-16Ds do not have an internal ECM due to a lack of internal space. The TurAF procured 42 AN/ALQ-211(V)9 Electronic Warfare Self-Defense Pods from Exelis, in two batches of 21 for the D models

• 132 ‘Hançer’ (‘Dagger’) Filo
The main mission of the 132 Silah ve Taktikler Filo (Weapon and Tactics Squadron) is to train instructor pilots to increase the combat mission effectiveness of the operational air force units. For this purpose, it added two different types of combat aircraft (ten F-16C/Ds and ten F-4E-2020s) to its inventory on August 28, 2006. The 132 Filo flies the Red role (Aggressor) in Anatolian Eagle exercises.

1. Ana Jet Üs Komutanlığ ı (1st Main Jet Base Command)

The 1st AJÜ/1st MJB is based in Eskişehir, which hosts the Combat Air Force and Air Missile Defence Command.

• 401 Test Filo
The 401 Geliştirme ve Test Kıta (Development Test Detachment) was established on April 17, 2013 and became the 401 Test Filo on March 13, 2015.
The squadron’s capabilities mean Turkey is one of just a few countries that has the opportunity to carry out flight testing activities nationally. Since its establishment, it has successfully carried out test activities of both the ammunition and systems developed by the Turkish Defence Industry and newly acquired ammunition and systems of the Turkish Air Force.

• 113 ‘Ceylan’ (‘Gazelle’) Filo
After the coup attempt, the 142 Filo was sent to the 1st AJÜ in Eskişehir as the 113 Filo. The squadron was flying the RF-4E/TM before it was disbanded.

F-16C/D Block 50+ jets, unlike other F-16s in the TurAF, are fitted with conformal fuel tanks. They carry 450 gallons (2,271 litres) of fuel, increasing the range by 20% to 40% according to the mission profile without affecting its G limit. They also use AN/ALQ-211(V)4 ECMs and, thanks to the dorsal spine, have more space for internal electronic countermeasures. They are used as deep strike aircraft
16. Ana Jet Üs Komutanlığ ı (16th Main Jet Base Command)
The 16th AJÜ/16th MJB is located in Dalaman, Mugla. The Dalaman Airfield Command was established in 1985 and has been used for reserve airfield and QRA duties since then. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) belonging to the Turkish Air Force were operating in Dalaman, which is a convenient location for access to the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas in the west of Turkey. It is also very close to Aksaz Naval Base, the largest such facility in Turkey and an important one for naval aviation; the S-70 SeaHawk helicopter, P-72 and P-235 maritime patrol aircraft all operate from this base. In addition, a naval fleet of TB2, Anka and Aksungur UAVs is located there.
At the end of 2024, Dalaman Airfield Command was upgraded to the Main Jet Base Command level, taking into account operational needs, with the Anka, Akinci and F-16s deployed there.

• 166 ‘Uçbey’ Filo
With the establishment of the main jet base, the 166 Filo was established as the last squadron to use F-16s, with the first jet joining the squadron last November.

The AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pod is used against ground targets as well as air targets. Thanks to the Sniper, the identity of the target detected from long distances (approximately 20 miles) can be determined. It offers a simple alternative to the IRST (infra-red search and track) system that the F-16 does not have

An F-16C is in the shelter, standing guard with four LGK-82s – Mk 82s equipped with laser guidance kits and one AIM-9and AIM-120 each. Aircraft equipped with different munitions are always kept ready for emergency operations. Thus, it is possible to quickly reach a target detected by a UAV or a ground element in need of urgent fire support
Turkish Air Force operations
Due to its geopolitical position, Turkey is either adjacent to or very near some troubled areas. The Turkish Air Force actively participated in the Peace Support Operations organised in various regions, especially in the Middle East and the Balkans. At the same time, it carried out operations against terrorist organisations at home and in neighbouring countries.
Bosnia – Herzegovina and Kosovo operations
Turkey joined the ‘Deny Flight’ operation, with 18 F-16s based at Ghedi Air Base, Italy, on April 19, 1993. The aim was to stop any Yugoslav attack in the closed airspace of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. Several different F-16 squadrons were involved, until the last flight by 182 Filo on August 7, 2001. During that eight-year mission period, TurAF F-16s completed approximately 34,000 flight hours.
NATO launched Operation Deliberate Force on August 30, 1995, which ended on September 20 that year. The TurAF flew 74 sorties throughout the operation for CAP (Combat Air Patrol) and CAS/BAI (Close Air Support/Battlefield Air Interdiction) missions.
On March 24, 1999, NATO launched Operation Allied Force against Yugoslavia, which saw the TurAF fly a total of 2,297 hours during 444 day and night sorties.
Operations in northern Iraq
The PKK (Partiya Karkerên Kurdistanê / Kurdistan Workers Party), which was established in 1978, has a Marxist-Leninist and ethnic separatist-based ideology. Considered a terrorist organisation by the USA and EU, the PKK has tried to expand its militant staff with ‘propaganda’ attacks started in the southeastern Anatolia region since 1983. The first such terrorist attack took place in Turkey during 1984.
A security protocol was signed between Iraq and Turkey on October 15, 1984. With this protocol, Turkey gained the right to conduct land and air operations in northern Iraq. The first major operation in which F-16s participated was the Çelik Harekatı (Operation Steel), that began in northern Iraq in March 1995. During the operation, F-16s dropped 1,688 Mk 82 bombs in 319 sorties. Çekiç Harekatı (Operation Hammer) started on April 30 and ended on July 7, 1997. In the TurAF air operation, 468 sorties were flown by F-16 and F-4aircraft.
Operations of all sizes continue routinely in northern Iraq. Aircraft from bases in the west support the 181 Filo participating in these operations, with the support of KC-135Rs. All the TurAF fighter squadrons participate in the missions and gain invaluable experience in this real combat environment.
Northern Syria
After the RF-4E/TM Phantom II 77-0314 reconnaissance aircraft was shot down by Syria on June 22, 2012, Turkey altered its rules of engagement. Pursuant to the ‘zero tolerance’ policy implemented by Turkey within the framework of the new rules of engagement, a Syrian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter was shot down on September 16, 2013.
The F-16C involved was a Block 40M (92005, belonging to the 182 Filo) that was on CAP in the region. At 1427hrs, it fired an AIM9X at the Mi-17 flying in Turkish airspace, which fell approximately one kilometre inside the Syrian side of the border. This shoot-down was the AIM-9X’s first real combat hit. On March 23, 2014, two MiG-23s belonging to Syria were warned four times that they were approaching Turkish airspace. One Mig-23 continued to fly into Turkish airspace for one mile. An F-16C Block 40M (91-0008) aircraft, on CAP in the region, fired AIM120B missiles at the intruding jet at 1314hrs, in accordance with the rules of engagement, and the Syrian airplane was hit.
On November 24, 2015, two Su-24M aircraft of the Russian Air Force violated Turkish airspace. After the breach, one of the Russian aircraft returned to Syrian airspace. However, F-16C Block 40M (90-0006 with AIM-120C-5), on CAP in accordance with the rules of engagement, opened fire on the other aircraft still over Turkish territory. The Su-24M (RF90932) subsequently crashed in Syria.
More than 1600 sorties were carried out during the Fırat Kalkanı Harekatı (Euphrates Shield Operation) from August 24, 2016 to March 29, 2017. Combat flights were carried out by F-16 and F-4aircrafts and led to more than 2,300 targets destroyed.
Zeytin Dalı Harekatı (Operation Olive Branch), which is complementary to Operation Euphrates Shield, was carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces to neutralise PKK/ YPG and Islamic State terrorists in northwest Syria to ensure security and stability on our borders and in the region. Operation Olive Branch started with the raid that saw 72 aircraft participate simultaneously to mark the 72 Turkish Armed Forces personnel who died in Operation Euphrates Shield on January 20, 2018. During the operation, the Turkish Air Force made around 800 sorties.

On November 30, 2024, four Turkish F-16 fighter jets flew to the 86th Borcea Air Base in Romania to participate in NATO’s enhanced air policing mission in the south for the first time. The Turkish detachment augments Romanian Air Force jets and surface-based air defences. This operation in Romania was the third TurAF F-16 NATO air policing mission, following Lithuania in 2006 and Poland in 2021

This F-16C, 88-0035, carries the KGK-82 – is a wing-assisted guidance kit that converts the current unguided general purpose bombs like the 1,000lb Mk 83 and 500lb Mk 82 into long-range, air-to-ground smart ammunition. The KGK uses the same guidance system as the HGK. With the former, jets can accurately strike targets around 100kms away in all weather conditions

Vipers on air patrol over the spectacular natural beauty of the Hel peninsula in Poland during 2021. Contrary to popular belief, Turkey and Russia are not allies; Turkey has a relationship of interest with its neighbour Russia. At times it is a partnership and at others it comes to the brink of war, as in the downing of the Russian Su-24 Fencer in November 2015
Bahar Kalkanı Harekatı (Operation Spring Shield) was launched on February 27, 2020. During the operation, air defence systems, ten ammunition depots and a headquarters building were destroyed. Since warplanes did not enter Syrian airspace in this operation, UAVs and UCAVs (Turkish-made armed drones) were used extensively. During the operation, the Kuweires Air Base (About 37 miles, or 60kms, from the Turkish border) used by Syrian Air Force L-39 aircraft was also hit, either by Turkish SOMs (stand-off munitions) or JSOWs ( joint stand-off weapons).
On March 1, 2020, two Su-24 aircraft belonging to the Syrian Arab Air Force were shot down. F-16C Block 50M (93-0675) of the 152 Filo was on CAP in Turkish airspace and, via Link-16, was transmitted an aerial picture of the Su-24s, detected by the E-7T early warning and command, flying in the operational area. The F-16 Block 50 that was authorised for the engagement shot down both Su-24s with two AIM-120 AMRAAMs (advanced medium range air-to-air missiles). On March 3, 2020, a Syrian Air Force L-39 close air support aircraft flying towards the Peace Shield Operation area was shot down by F-16C Block 50M (93-0677) of 152 Filo with an AIM-120 AMRAAM from a distance of approximately 28 miles (45kms). During the operation, eight helicopters and two UAVs belonging to Syria were shot down.
The F-16 began its adventure in Turkey 38 years ago. Turkey has the third largest F-16 fleet in the world and uses it intensively. It will continue to use F-16s for many years, both with the national Özgür modernisation and the Viper modernisation to be carried out with the USA.
ÖZGÜR (Liberty) Project
The ÖZGÜR Project started on December 15, 2010 at the request of the Air Force Command, aimed at modernising 35 F-16 Block 30 aircraft not included in the CCIP project with a national mission computer and avionics. With the nationalisation of mission computers, the project aims to ensure the integration of national airto-air and air-to-ground munitions. ASELSAN (Askeri Elektronik Sanayi – Military Electronics Industry) develops the hardware of the mission computer used in modernisation, and Turkish Aerospace develops the operational flight programme (OFP) software. An F-16C Block 30 (870019) was used as the prototype aircraft in the project. The cockpit of the airplane was also updated and a new full-colour multifunction display (MFD), middle cockpit display and engine display have been added. After the acceptance tests of the first modernised aircraft were successfully completed, the serial production phase began. Within the scope of the ÖZGÜR Modernisation Project, three modernised F-16 Block 30 fighter jets were delivered to the Turkish Air Force Command in 2023. When the MURAD F-16 nose radar project developed by Aselsan is completed, this radar will replace the AN/APG-68. The first flight of the X-Band MURAD AESA Nose/ Fire Control Radar – under development with flight tests on a prototype aircraft by ASELSAN – was performed on the ÖZGÜR modernised F-16C Block 30 prototype aircraft on February 15, 2024. The MURAD X-Band AESA aircraft nose radar has the capabilities of automatic recognition, multiple target tracking, ground mapping, range measurement, automatic altitude determination, under-cloud surveillance with SAR, automatic target limitation with artificial intelligence-supported algorithms, wide-band radar spectrum monitoring (ESM) and directional electronic jamming (ECM) and provides more effective guidance to the ammunition.
Undoubtedly, with continued modernisation and new acquisitions, the Turkish Air Force F-16 still has plenty of life allowing it to protect Turkish skies for years to come.

Source: AFM

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