By Peter.
Turkey’s Defense Ministry confirmed on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, that all 20 individuals aboard a military C-130 Hercules cargo plane perished in a crash in eastern Georgia. The aircraft, en route from Azerbaijan back to Turkey, had departed Ganja Airport in western Azerbaijan on Tuesday afternoon before plummeting shortly after entering Georgian airspace.
The victims included the flight crew and other personnel. In a poignant statement shared on his X account, Defense Minister Yasar Guler described the deceased as “heroic comrades-in-arms” who were “martyred” on November 11, 2025. He accompanied the message with 20 individual photographs honoring those lost, underscoring the profound loss to the Turkish military.
Incident Details
- Flight Path and Timeline: The plane took off from Ganja, crossed the Azerbaijan-Georgia border, and vanished from radar without issuing a distress call, according to Georgian air traffic control.
- Crash Location: The incident occurred in the Sighnaghi district, approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the Azerbaijan border, as verified by Georgia’s Interior Ministry.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Dramatic video footage circulating in Azerbaijani media depicted the aircraft spiraling horizontally, shedding debris as it descended uncontrollably.
No official cause has been announced by Turkish authorities. The C-130 Hercules, a versatile transport plane produced by U.S.-based Lockheed Martin, has been a staple of military operations worldwide since the 1950s, known for its reliability in diverse conditions.
This tragedy highlights the risks inherent in military aviation, especially during cross-border flights. Investigations are underway, with condolences pouring in from regional allies. As more details emerge, the focus remains on supporting the bereaved families and honoring the service of the fallen.
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