Newsletters
A Turkish F-16 fighter jet crashed in western Balikesir province early Wednesday, killing the pilot, the National Defense Ministry said.
Radio contact and tracking information were lost with the aircraft, which took off from the 9th Main Jet Base Command in Balikesir at 12:56 a.m. local time (9:56 p.m. GMT Tuesday), the ministry said in a statement.
Search and rescue operations were immediately launched and the wreckage was subsequently located, the ministry said.
"Our pilot was martyred. The cause of the accident will be determined following an investigation by the crash examination team," the ministry said, offering condolences to the pilot's family.
National Defense Minister Yasar Guler identified the fallen pilot as Air Force Major Ibrahim Bolat.
"Our heroic comrade-in-arms was martyred on Feb. 25, 2026, as a result of the crash of our F-16 aircraft," Guler said in a condolence message.
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek stated that the Balikesir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an official investigation into the crash.
The chief public prosecutor, deputy chief public prosecutor and two public prosecutors arrived at the scene of the accident, Gurlek said.
Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu confirmed that the F-16 belonging to the 9th Main Jet Base Command squadron crashed at around 12:50 a.m. during a mission flight.
The Interior Ministry said it is closely monitoring the process and working in full coordination with relevant institutions.
"The cause of the crash will become clear following the technical examination by the relevant crash investigation team," the Interior Ministry said.
Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said the incident would be "meticulously examined both judicially and administratively."
Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus, ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala and other senior officials offered condolences following the crash.
"Our condolences to our heroic pilot who was martyred, to his family, his loved ones and our noble nation," Kurtulmus said.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
4 min read
