The ministry also noted that the exact causes of the incident are currently unknown.
Additionally, the agency denied rumors that the aircraft was in poor condition or was "old." It was clarified that this aircraft was purchased from Saudi Arabia in 2012, accepted into service in 2014, and modernization was completed in 2022.
The Turkish Air Force C-130 military transport aircraft crashed on the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan, resulting in the deaths of 20 servicemen.
In connection with the tragedy, a criminal case has been initiated for violation of flight safety rules that led to the loss of life. All operations with C-130 aircraft have been suspended.
Rescue operations conducted jointly by Georgia and Turkey have been completed — all bodies of the deceased have been found, and the black box has been discovered and handed over to Turkish authorities. All scattered parts of the aircraft are being collected, while the main section, which burned after the crash, will be transported to Turkey.
