Turkish Military Cargo Plane Crashes in Georgia After Takeoff from Azerbaijan; Casualties Feared

President Erdogan expresses grief, vows support as rescue teams rush to the remote crash site near Georgian border

A Turkish C-130 military cargo plane crashed in Georgia on Tuesday shortly after taking off from Azerbaijan, leaving several casualties feared on board. The tragic incident prompted an immediate response from both Turkish and Georgian authorities, with search and rescue teams deployed to the remote mountainous region near the Georgia–Azerbaijan border.

The Turkish Ministry of Defence confirmed the crash in a brief statement, saying it was “in close coordination with Georgian authorities” to locate the wreckage and assist in rescue efforts. The exact cause of the crash remains unclear, and officials have yet to disclose the number of crew members or passengers on board.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was informed of the crash while addressing an event in Ankara. Midway through his speech, aides handed him a note about the incident, after which he paused and expressed deep sorrow.

“I have just received the heartbreaking news about our military aircraft,” Erdogan told the audience. “God willing, we will overcome this tragedy with patience. May Allah bless the souls of our martyrs, and may we stand together in prayer for them.”

Although the government has not officially confirmed casualties, local media outlets reported that both Turkish and Azerbaijani military personnel were aboard the ill-fated aircraft.

Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said he had spoken with his Georgian counterpart, who was personally traveling to the crash site to oversee rescue operations. “All necessary steps are being taken to ensure swift coordination on the ground,” Yerlikaya said, adding that Turkish officials were also being dispatched to assist.

The C-130 Hercules — a large four-engine transport aircraft widely used by militaries around the world — is known for its ability to operate in difficult terrains and weather conditions. However, Tuesday’s crash has raised concerns about what went wrong during its short flight from Azerbaijan.

As night fell, Georgian emergency services and Turkish military teams continued their search through rugged, forested terrain. Officials said poor visibility and challenging weather conditions were hampering rescue operations.

Turkey has declared that once rescue operations are completed, a full investigation into the cause of the crash will be launched in coordination with Georgian and Azerbaijani authorities.

President Erdoğan has ordered all flags at military installations to be flown at half-mast in honor of those who lost their lives, calling them “heroes who served their nation with dignity.”