F-16 Jet Crashes During Mission in Balıkesir
A Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed in the western province of Balıkesir early on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, leading to the death of its pilot. The aircraft, assigned to the 9th Main Jet Base Command in Balıkesir, lost radio contact and tracking information at approximately 00:56 local time (9:56 p.m. GMT Tuesday) shortly after taking off for a mission flight.
Search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the area and subsequently located the wreckage. The crash site was identified near Naifli village in the Karesi district, close to the Istanbul-İzmir motorway, with debris scattered over a wide area.
Pilot Identified, Condolences Issued
The National Defense Ministry confirmed that the pilot, Air Force Major İbrahim Bolat, was martyred in the incident. Senior officials, including National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, Justice Minister Akın Gürlek, Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu, and Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, extended their condolences to the pilot's family and the Turkish nation.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that the Balıkesir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an official investigation into the crash, with prosecutors dispatched to the scene.
Investigation Underway into Crash Cause
The cause of the accident remains under investigation by a dedicated crash examination team. Initial reports from the defense ministry indicated that the F-16 was scrambled to investigate an unidentified radar signal detected along the Bulgarian border. The Ministry of Interior stated that the process is being closely monitored and coordinated with relevant institutions. Türkiye has operated F-16 fighter jets since the early 1980s, maintaining a fleet of over 230 aircraft.
6 Comments
ZmeeLove
While we mourn the loss of Major Bolat, this incident highlights the critical need for a thorough investigation into the F-16 fleet's readiness. We must ensure our pilots have the best and safest equipment, especially with heightened regional tensions.
Bella Ciao
Condolences to the family; it's a huge loss for the nation. But we must seriously question the implications of scrambling jets for 'unidentified signals' in this volatile region, and whether our protocols are robust enough.
Muchacha
Such a profound loss. My thoughts are with his loved ones and the entire Air Force community.
Mariposa
A pilot martyred due to what? Transparency is crucial here, not just condolences.
Muchacho
Why are we still flying these outdated F-16s? Time for an upgrade, not more excuses.
BuggaBoom
May Allah grant Major Bolat jannah. His service will not be forgotten.