The first statement from President Erdoğan regarding the downed F-16.

The first statement from President Erdoğan regarding the downed F-16.

25.02.2026 12:50

President Erdoğan, at the AK Party Parliamentary Group Meeting, regarding the F-16 crash in Balıkesir that resulted in the martyrdom of Air Pilot Major İbrahim Bolat, said, "The news of the martyr deeply saddened us, and a necessary investigation has been initiated."

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made statements at his party's group meeting.

Erdoğan's first message was regarding the crash of an F-16 aircraft in Balıkesir. In his statement, Erdoğan said, "Unfortunately, we received sad news last night. Our F-16 aircraft, which took off from the 9th Main Jet Base Command in Balıkesir and was on a mission flight, crashed, and our pilot was martyred. First of all, I wish God's mercy upon our heroic martyr, Air Pilot Major İbrahim Bolat, and patience to his grieving family and loved ones, and I extend my condolences to the Turkish Armed Forces and our esteemed nation. The news of the martyr deeply saddened us. Necessary investigations and inquiries have been initiated to determine the causes of the accident. May the soul of our martyred pilot be blessed, and may his place be in heaven." he said.

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