The organizers of the International Sanicole Airshow have confirmed that the aerobatic demonstration team of the Turkish Air Force the Turkish Stars will be performing at this year’s event.

The Turkish Stars are the aerobatic demonstration team of the Turkish Air Force and the national aerobatics team of Turkey. The team was formed on November 7 1992 and was named the Turkish Stars on January 11, 1993.

Turkish Stars fly with seven Canadair NF-5 fighter planes obtained from the Royal Netherlands Air Force, making them one of few national aerobatics teams to fly supersonic aircraft. Twelve NF-5 fighter planes are available to the team. The team uses CASA/IPTN CN-235, C-130 and C-160 support aircraft in the Turkish Stars colours and also an A400M. The team is stationed at the Konya Air Base of 3rd Main Jet Base Group Command. As a part of modernization programs of the Turkish Air Force, the NF-5 aircraft are planned to be replaced with locally produced TAI Hurjet in the mid-2020s.

On August 24, 2001, Turkish Stars demonstrated an airshow to more than one million people in Baku, Azerbaijan that is to be a world record.

Statement from the organizers;

“The most famous ambassadors of the Turkish air force will show a perfect harmony of skill, speed and discipline in the sky over Sanicole this year, in keeping with their motto, the Turkish Stars / Türk Yildizlari.  

The team is world-famous for its energetic display with seven NF-5 Freedom fighters. Unlike most European teams, they fly fighters instead of trainers, making them perhaps the fastest and noisiest airforce display team in Europe.  Their gorgeous wite, red and silver paintscheme makes them stand out even more, and their enthusiastic narrator will certainly also win your heart during their breathtaking show. 

The team were established in 1992 and have a rich history and strong reputation in Europe and Asia. The team members are all experienced frontline pilots who are now based at Konya in southern Turkey. They combine tight formations with exciting solos and spectacular crosses.  

It’s been over 10 years since the team visited Belgium so don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the Turkish Stars in action again. Mark 10 & 11 September 2022 in your calendar and cheer them on at the International Sanicole Airshow!”