On November 11, 2025, a Turkish military C-130 Hercules transport aircraft carrying 20 service members crashed near the Azerbaijan-Georgia border, in the Sighnaghi municipality of Georgia. The plane had departed from Ganja, Azerbaijan, and was returning to Turkey when it vanished from radar before spiraling down and emitting thick smoke.
Search and rescue operations are being jointly conducted by Turkish, Georgian, and Azerbaijani authorities. Though the number of casualties has not been officially confirmed, leaders and officials from Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the United States have extended condolences and expressed solidarity.
According to the Georgian Interior Ministry and aviation authorities, the crash location has been confirmed and rescue teams continue operations in difficult terrain.
“We are coordinating with our Georgian partners and using unmanned aerial vehicles to assist in the search,” said Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
Officials are cooperating to investigate the cause of the crash, which remains unknown. Reports also suggest that a few Azerbaijani personnel might have been onboard.
The C-130 Hercules is a widely used military transport plane for moving troops and supplies across various terrains. This particular aircraft was staffed by 20 Turkish personnel, including flight crew members.
Author’s summary: Turkish C-130 cargo plane with 20 onboard crashed near the Azerbaijan-Georgia border; multinational rescue and investigation operations continue amid official condolences.