AirForces Monthly – September 2019

Phantoms were parked up on

the apron for photos, while

the pilots and maintenance

team offered interviews.

The popularity of the event

was reflected in the visitor

numbers: a total of 316

photographers and spotters,

comprising 187 from Turkey and

129 from 20 other countries.

There have been 41 Anatolian

Eagle exercises since its

establishment in 2001 and 15

countries have participated.

More than 33,000 personnel

and 2,000 aircraft have taken

part in approximately 24,000

sorties. The success of the latest

iteration – and the valuable

return of international players –

means the future of Anatolian

Eagle looks secure once again.

Anatolian Eagle 2019 – participating air forces

Operator Aircraft

Azerbaijan Air Force None (3 x observer of cers)

Italian Air Force 3 x AMX A-11

NATO 1 x E-3A

Qatar Emiri Air Force 1 x C-17, 1 x C-130

Pakistan Air Force 5 x JF-17

Royal Jordanian Air Force 3 x F-16

Turkish Air Force F-4E-2020, F-16, CN235, C-130, C-160, AS532, E-7T

AFM US Air Force 6 x F-15E

Above:The Turkish Stars demonstration team of Konya-based 133 Filo provided

the six NF-5s that performed a routine and took part in a fl yby alongside

Phantoms. This example is a two-seat NF-5B-2000. Right:Thumbs-up from the

pilot of F-16C Block 30 serial 88-0032 (c/n 4R-34, FMS 88-0032) as he taxies

past the Anatolian Eagle fl ight line. The 132 Filo jet is the current mount of the

Solotürk demonstration team. Onur Kurç and Tayfun YaşarBelow:F-16C Block 50

serial 93-0663 (c/n HC-7, FMS 93-0663) is on strength with the THK’s 113 Filo,

resident at Eskişehir. This jet was completed as an RF-16C with provisions for

the recce role and previously served at the 4. Ana Jet Üssü at Ankara-Akinci,

where the parent wing was disbanded after the 2016 coup attempt.

http://www.airforcesmonthly.com #378 September 2019 // 39

36-39 Eagles AFM Sep2019.indd 39 8/5/2019 11:55:06 AM