All 20 Turkish soldiers aboard a military aircraft that crashed in Georgia have been confirmed dead, the country’s defense ministry said on Wednesday, as investigators searched for clues into the cause of the disaster.
The C-130 Hercules cargo plane had taken off from Azerbaijan bound for Turkey when it crashed on Tuesday in Georgia’s Sighnaghu municipality, in the Kakheti district. Ankara said inspections at the crash site began early Wednesday at 0330 GMT, with Turkish and Georgian authorities jointly overseeing the investigation.
Members of emergency services work at the site of the Turkish C-130 military cargo plane crash near the Azerbaijani border, in Sighnaghi municipality, Georgia, November 12, 2025. REUTERS/Irakli Gedenidze
The crash marks Turkey’s deadliest military aviation incident since 2020. Initial footage from the site showed twisted wreckage scattered across a grassy hill, while unverified videos on social media appeared to show the aircraft breaking apart mid-air before spiraling down in flames.
The Turkish Defense Ministry released a list of the 20 victims on Wednesday. Condolences poured in from world leaders, including those of Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack also expressed his country’s solidarity following the tragedy.
Defense Minister Yasar Guler held talks on Tuesday with his counterparts in Georgia and Azerbaijan, along with Azerbaijan’s chief of staff, to coordinate search and rescue efforts.
Cars pass the wreckage at the site of the Turkish C-130 military cargo plane crash near the Azerbaijani border, in Sighnaghi municipality, Georgia, November 12, 2025. REUTERS/Irakli Gedenidze
Lockheed Martin, the U.S. manufacturer of the C-130 Hercules, issued a statement expressing condolences and pledged to support Turkey’s investigation.
The C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop transport aircraft widely used by militaries worldwide. Known for its ability to take off and land on unprepared runways, it serves multiple roles — from cargo and troop transport to airborne assault and reconnaissance missions — and remains one of the most versatile aircraft in tactical operations.
