THK F-16
SQUADRONS
113 Filo Işik (Light)
132 Filo Hançer (Dagger)
151 Filo Kurt (Wolf )
152 Filo Akıncı (Raiders)
153 Filo Öncel
161 Filo Yarasa (Bat)
181 Filo Pars (Leopard)
182 Filo Atmaca (Hawk)
192 Filo Kaplan (Tiger)a Russian Su-24 on November 24, 2015,
near the Syrian border.
Maximizing the F-16’s potency is
obviously a major focus for Turkey’s
armed forces. The THK’s internationally
recognized ‘Anatolian Eagle’ training
exercise has ourished at Konya since
June 2001 and has attracted an array of
international participants, as well as a
decent slug of the domestic ‘Viper’ team.
Alongside such training activities, the
THK established the 401st Test Squadron
at Eskişehir with F-16C/D Block 30s
in order to facilitate work regarding
indigenous capabilities, such as the
addition of the Precision-Guided Stand-O
Munition (SOM), developed by Roketsan
and Tubitak. Another is Project ‘Freedom’,
agreed with TAI in March 2012. This will
equip a Block 30 with a new cockpit
featuring completely new architectureto serve as a demonstrator for TF-X.
Turkey has been extremely pro-active in
maintaining its F-16s at the cutting edge.
In 2015, it was decided that Eskişehir’s
1st Air Supply Maintenance Central
Command would carry out a 4,000-
hour service life extension for the Block
30s, which is currently in works. The
THK has also committed its F-16s to a
reconnaissance role, which enabled
the retirement of its RF-4Es. The Turkish
Aerial Reconnaissance Program (TARP)
utilized four UTC Aerospace Systems
DB-110 electro-optic/infra-red (EO/IR)
pods for the F-16 Block 30s of 142 Filo
(now 113) at Eskişehir.
Turkey has invested in the capabilities
of its F-16s and has sought to keep
them relevant and capable. It is likely
to continue to do so for many years
to come.Above: A four-ship
from 181 and 182
Filo at Diyarbakır
poised for action.
Below: Still
wearing its 142
Filo markings, this
Fighting Falcon
carries the DB-110
electro-optic/
infra-red (EO/IR)
pod, as fl own by
recce unit 113 Filo
at Eskişehir.http://www.combataircraft.net // July 2018 79
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