Article - Anatolian Eagle June - 2019

Anatolian Eagle June - 2019

After a break of three years, the Turkish Air Force kindly opened its doors at Third Main Jet Base, Konya, to a group of international press and aviation enthusiasts for two days of the Anatolian Eagle joint Air Forces flying training exercise.

The Air Forces officially participating were as follows:

Azerbaijan Air Force – observers (no aircraft present)

Italian Air Force – three AMX (ACOL) from 51 Stormo, Treviso Istrana, Italy

Jordanian Air Force – three F-16AM/BM from 2 Sqdn (OCU), Al Azraq/Al Shaheed Muwaffaq al Salti AB

NATO – one E-3A from the NATO Airborne Early Warning Force, Geilenkirchen, Germany

Pakistan Air Force – five JF-17 Thunders from 28 Sqdn, Samungli

Emirate of Qatari Air Force – one C-17A and one C-130J-30 from 12 Squadron, Al Udeid/Dohar AB

USAF – six F-15Es from the 494 FS, 48 FW Lakenheath, UK

The host nation’s participants were:

Six F-4E-2020 Terminators from 111 Filo, Eskisehir

Multiple F-16C/Ds from multiple units, including 132 Filo, based at Konya; other units noted participating included 113, 152, 161, 162 & 193 Filos

KC-135R of 101 Filo operating from home base Incirlik (not seen over the two days)

CN.235 and C-130E

AS.532 Cougar from 135 Filo based at Konya

One E-7T (Boeing 737 AWACS) from 131 Filo based at Konya

Additionally, the Turkish Navy participated with two frigates and one assault boat.

One pleasant surprise from the host nation, not on the official list of participants, was the inclusion of the only Transall C.160D ISR/ECM conversion operated by 221 Filo, Erkilet.

The hosts were extremely well organised and ensured that particpants were on the correct side of the sun whenever possible and the Air Force Pilots and Navigators entered into the spirit of showcasing their aircraft and saluting the audience.

The Turkish Stars performed various display sequences during operational breaks.

On the afternoon of day one, selected aircraft launched to perform in special group flypasts, including four F-4E-2020 Terminators from 111 Filo, the sight of this group approaching and passing overhead in close formation, is one to be remembered, soon this will just be a thing of the past.

A very special thanks must go to the Senior Command of the Turkish Air Force and the team at Konya for their generous hospitality and professionalism and we can only hope that the success of this visit will ensure future enthusiast participation in Anatolian Eagle in the years to come.

Author & photography Mark Burden