50 YEARS OF PHANTOM: TURKEY’S TRIBUTE TO AN LEGEND AT ESKISEHIR

By Dino van Doorn| GMAP.nl Team | November 2024

In 2024, the Turkish Air Force (Türk Hava Kuvvetleri) celebrated a significant milestone in its aviation history – 50 years of operating the legendary McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II.
The commemoration, held at Eskişehir Air Base, brought together aviation enthusiasts, veterans, and military officials from around the world to honor one of the most iconic fighter aircraft ever built.

The first F-4 Phantom II arrived in Turkey in 1974, marking the beginning of a long and distinguished service career. Over five decades, the Phantom became the backbone of Turkish air defence, serving with distinction through numerous operational deployments and playing a crucial role in safeguarding Turkish airspace during the Cold War and beyond.

The Turkish Air Force operated several variants of the Phantom, including the F-4E and the RF-4E reconnaissance variant. These aircraft were instrumental in modernizing Turkey’s air combat capabilities and established Turkey as a significant air power in the region.

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The Celebration at Eskişehir

Eskişehir Air Base, home to the 1st Main Jet Base Command, was the perfect venue for this historic celebration. The base has long been associated with the Phantom, hosting several squadrons throughout the aircraft’s operational life in Turkey.

The event featured a spectacular air show, with several F-4E Phantoms performing aerial demonstrations that showcased the aircraft’s remarkable agility and power. Despite its age, the Phantom proved it could still captivate audiences with its distinctive roar and impressive maneuverability. The formation flights, consisting of multiple Phantoms flying in tight formation, were particularly memorable, demonstrating the professionalism and skill of Turkish Air Force pilots.

Static Display and Ground Activities

On the ground, a comprehensive static display featured various F-4 Phantom variants in different color schemes, including special anniversary liveries created specifically for the celebration. One particularly eye-catching aircraft bore a commemorative paint scheme featuring Turkish Air Force insignia and “50 Years of Phantom” markings.

Aviation enthusiasts and photographers from around the world, including our GMAP.NL team, had unprecedented access to the aircraft. The Turkish Air Force graciously allowed close-up photography sessions, providing rare opportunities to capture detailed images of these magnificent machines.

Veteran pilots who had flown the Phantom throughout its five decades of service were present, sharing their experiences and stories. These firsthand accounts provided invaluable insights into the aircraft’s operational history, from challenging combat missions to routine patrol flights along Turkey’s borders.

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The Phantom’s Sunset

While the celebration honored 50 years of service, it also acknowledged that the Phantom’s time in Turkish service is drawing to a close. The Turkish Air Force has been gradually replacing its Phantom fleet with more modern aircraft, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-35 Lightning II.

However, the transition is bittersweet. Many pilots and ground crew expressed deep emotional connections to the Phantom, viewing it not just as an aircraft but as a symbol of Turkish aviation excellence and a significant part of their professional lives.

As Turkey bids farewell to the Phantom, the aircraft’s legacy will endure. The lessons learned from operating and maintaining the F-4 over five decades have contributed significantly to Turkey’s indigenous defense industry development, including the TAI TF-X (now known as KAAN) fifth-generation fighter program.

Conclusion

The 50th anniversary celebration of the F-4 Phantom at Eskişehir Air Base was more than just an air show – it was a tribute to an aircraft that served Turkey faithfully for half a century and to the generations of personnel who operated it. As the sun set on the final day of celebrations, with Phantoms silhouetted against the Turkish sky, it marked not an ending but a transition to a new chapter in Turkish aviation history.

The Phantom may be retiring, but its thunderous legacy will echo through Turkish Air Force history for generations to come. For those fortunate enough to attend this historic event, the memories of watching these magnificent aircraft take to the skies one more time will remain unforgettable.