Modern Turkish Air Power

Harpia Publishing presents an in-depth look at the Turkish Air Force focusing on the varied manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) currently in service, its structure, units and markings. This book also provides a perspective on regional threats from Turkey’s point of view, including its perspectives on Syria, north Africa and the wider Mediterranean region. Also included is a study of Turkey’s rapidly developing indigenous aircraft industry, which is now a growing global force.

The development of the Turkish Air Force throughout the 20th century is charted, aided by organizational charts and maps. Not to be forgotten are the important but sometimes-overlooked aspects, namely the air force’s training syllabus and the aircraft ordnance that it uses.

With roots that are almost as old as aviation itself, the Turkish Air Force was founded in 1911. Fast forward to the start of the Cold War and in 1952 Turkey became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), leading to rapid changes in terms of capability and configuration.

Deployed in NATO’s southeast region, the Turkish Air Force grew rapidly to face off the Soviet threat and, in the process, adapted to the jet age. In the early post-war years, it was equipped with mainly second-hand aircraft, from the United States and other allied countries, but the years that followed saw significant purchases of new aircraft.

After establishing an indigenous aviation industry, Turkey began to produce its own aircraft. Here, recent developments have included a range of UAVs, followed by an indigenous fighter design, known as TF-X, further strengthening Turkey’s position as a regional power.

All these aircraft and their armaments are examined in detail in Modern Turkish Air Power, with a particular focus on indigenous designs, as well as the Turkish Air Force’s overall organization and ongoing modernization process.

The result is a unique in-depth look at the historical development, current operations and future planning of one of the region’s most active forces.