Intel: Turkish F-16s spotted on runway in Azerbaijan

Oct 9, 2020

F-16 aircraft parked on a tarmac in Azerbaijan most likely belong to Turkey, a New York Times inquiry concluded.

The fighter jets were photographed at Ganja International Airport on Oct. 3 not far from what appears to be a CN-235 transport aircraft, according to the NYT, which analyzed Planet Labs satellite imagery.

Both aircraft are owned by Turkey’s air force. Turkish F-16s were most recently deployed to Ganja airbase for exercises in July.

Why it matters:  The discovery of potential Turkish F-16s at Ganja comes follows unconfirmed reports that Ankara had introduced combat aircraft into Azerbaijan’s breakout conflict with Armenia.

Armenia’s Defense Ministry alleged late last month that a Turkish F-16 based out of Ganja airport shot down an Armenian Su-25 over Armenian territory, killing the pilot. Azerbaijan and Turkey denied the incident. Turkish officials called the allegation a “cheap propaganda stunt.”