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The Turkish F-16 Block 50 fighter jet that crashed in Balikesir province was on an emergency scramble mission to intercept an unidentified radar signature detected near the Bulgarian border, the Ministry of National Defense revealed at its weekly press briefing.
The ministry said two F-16 fighter jets took off simultaneously from the 9th Main Jet Base Command in Balikesir on Feb. 25 as part of an alarm reaction mission after an unidentified radar track was detected.
Radio contact and radar tracking information were lost with one of the aircraft at 12:56 a.m. local time.
Air Force Major Ibrahim Bolat, the pilot, was killed in the crash.
Ministry spokesperson Rear Adm. Zeki Akturk stated that search and rescue operations were immediately launched and the wreckage was subsequently located.
"It was determined that our heroic pilot activated the ejection system at the last moment in an attempt to abandon the aircraft," the ministry said.
"The cause of the accident will become clear following the detailed examination by the crash investigation team," the ministry added, urging the public not to give credence to claims and speculation outside of official statements.
The ministry said the control and security of Türkiye's airspace is maintained around the clock through "a layered and integrated architecture encompassing radar, early warning, electronic warfare and interception elements."
"Alarm reaction missions are carried out with our aircraft for the identification and tracking of identified or unidentified air tracks on our radars," the ministry said.
The Turkish Air Force (TurAF) maintains combat-ready fighter jets at every air base on a 24/7 basis, prepared to take off within 15 minutes.
When a threat approaching Turkish airspace is detected through the nationwide radar network, these aircraft launch on scramble missions to either intercept the threat or conduct visual identification of unidentified radar tracks.
Due to recent regional tensions, F-16 scramble missions have intensified.
The frequency of visual identification-focused scramble launches has also increased as unidentified radar tracks have become more common.
The ministry said the crash investigation team will conduct a detailed examination to determine the cause of the accident.
"It is important that claims and speculation outside of our official statements on this matter not be given credence," the ministry said.
"We once again pray for Allah's mercy on our fallen hero who lost his life in this incident that has plunged us into deep sorrow, and extend our condolences to his grieving family, the Turkish Armed Forces and our noble nation," the ministry added.
The Justice Ministry previously said the Balikesir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an official investigation into the crash, with prosecutors arriving at the scene.
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