Turkish Aircraft Focused on Disclosing Armenian Air Defense Deployment, Composition, Structure, Tactics, and 'Vulnerable Areas': Razm.info

Razm.info has attempted to analyze the involvement of Turkish armed forces in military operations in Artsakh since September 27. Our first article on this topic discusses the potential use of Turkish Air Force F-16 fighters.

On July 27, 2020, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense announced the conduct of joint exercises with the Turkish Air Force (TAF). By the end of July, a group of Turkish F-16 fighters arrived in Azerbaijan. Additionally, Turkish strike 'Atak' helicopters and multi-role UH-60 helicopters were transported to Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan via Turkish military transport aircraft.

Alongside the air force exercises, separate ground force training was also conducted. The exercises themselves were an expected event, as Turkey and Azerbaijan regularly conduct joint exercises. Air force exercises, in particular, have been held since 2014, typically launching in August or September.

However, the recent air force exercise differed significantly from previous ones, characterized by specific features. The 2020 exercises stood out due to the location chosen and the involvement of specialized units.

Five Turkish F-16s were stationed at Ganja International Airport in Azerbaijan, which, despite having a dual purpose during Soviet times, was reconstructed in 2006, becoming an international airport used only for civilian purposes. Previously, this airport was not involved in military exercises; Turkish aircraft were typically stationed at the Yevlakh airport, which also serves dual purposes and is one of the centers for Azerbaijani UAVs.