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A Turkish C-130 military cargo plane with 20 personnel on board crashed in eastern Georgia on November 11, 2025. All crew members were killed during the crash, according to the Turkish Ministry of National Defense.

The aircraft had taken off from the city of Ganja in Azerbaijan and was en route to Turkiye when it went down in Georgia’s Sighnaghi municipality, near the Azerbaijani border. Both Turkish and Georgian authorities confirmed the incident, saying search and rescue operations were launched immediately after the crash.

Video footage broadcast on Turkish news channels appeared to show the plane spiraling downward and trailing white smoke before impact. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

Georgia’s Interior Ministry said the crash occurred in the Kakheti region, adding that an investigation had been launched to determine what led to the disaster. Local authorities sealed off the area and coordinated with Azerbaijani and Turkish teams to recover the remains of those on board.

Reactions from Turkiye and Azerbaijan

Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the victims. “May God rest the souls of our martyrs, and let us be with them through our prayers,” Erdogan said while addressing a gathering in Ankara.

Erdogan was handed a note about the crash during a speech in Ankara. Interrupting his remarks, he confirmed the loss of the aircraft and signaled that there were casualties, describing the dead as “martyrs.”

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev also conveyed his condolences to Erdogan in an official message. “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 said.

“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 Turkiye,” he added.

The close military cooperation between Turkiye and Azerbaijan has been highlighted in recent years, with both countries frequently conducting joint training exercises and defense coordination. Azerbaijani officials said they were working with Georgian counterparts to assist in the investigation and recovery process.

Search and Rescue Operations

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense confirmed that all 20 personnel aboard the aircraft, including the flight crew, were killed. It said rescue and recovery teams from Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia coordinated efforts to reach the crash site, which lies in a mountainous region near the border.

Georgian emergency services said they faced difficult terrain and limited visibility but were able to locate the wreckage several hours after the crash. Investigators are now examining flight data and maintenance records to determine the cause.

No immediate information was provided about possible mechanical failure or weather-related issues, though Turkish media reported that the aircraft was returning from a scheduled logistics operation.

Turkish C-130 military cargo plane with 20 people on board crashed in Georgia after taking off from Azerbaijan. The aircraft was seen spiraling toward the ground. The cause of the crash remains unclear. pic.twitter.com/io3DCrVja6

— IRIA (@IRIA_Research) November 11, 2025

C-130 Hercules Aircraft

The C-130E Hercules is a four-engine turboprop-powered tactical airlifter widely used by Turkiye’s armed forces for transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies. The aircraft can take off and land on unprepared runways, making it suitable for military operations in rough or remote areas.

Manufactured by the U.S. firm Lockheed Martin, the C-130 Hercules has been in service since the 1950s and remains one of the most versatile aircraft in military aviation. Its durable design allows it to perform a wide range of roles, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and humanitarian missions.

Lockheed Martin did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Turkish crash. The C-130 is used by more than 70 countries worldwide and has been a critical part of Turkiye’s airlift capability for decades. Turkish Air Force fleets include several older C-130 variants, some of which have been in operation for over 30 years.

Ongoing Investigation

Officials from Turkiye, Georgia, and Azerbaijan said that the investigation would focus on possible mechanical malfunctions, weather conditions, and flight path data. Georgian authorities have taken charge of the on-site investigation, with Turkish representatives providing technical assistance.

The Turkish government announced it would provide full support to the families of the victims and organize military funerals for those killed. Flags were lowered to half-mast at Turkish military bases and embassies in honor of the deceased personnel.

The crash marks one of the deadliest incidents involving a Turkish military aircraft in recent years. It has also reignited discussions about the modernization of Turkiye’s transport fleet, as several of its C-130 planes are nearing the end of their operational lifespans. Authorities in Ankara said updates would be released once preliminary findings from the investigation are available.