151 Filo ( TUAF)

151 Filo converted to the F-16 in 1997. It was the third Turkish squadron to fly with the block 50 version of the Fighting Falcon. Previous orders had compromised both block 30 and block 40 airframes. With the Peace Onyx II and III orders, the newer block 50’s were ordered so the Turkish Air Force could have the availability of radar suppressing missiles. This task was completely new to the Turkish Air Force.

With the introduction of the block 50 F-16, the main task of the squadron became SEAD. Since 151 Filo is the only of three squadrons within the Turkish air force (the other two being 152 and 191 Filos) to perform these kind of missions, these assets are a cornerstone of the Turkish Air Force.

TuAF F-16C block 50 #93-0664 from 151 Filo is seen taxiing at Lechfeld AB during exercise Elite 2007 on June 20th, 2007. [Photo by Colla Giovanni]

Since a number of years, all F-16s squadrons within the Turkish Air Force are multi-role. This means they can handle all missions, but are specialised in one. With the CCIP program – which will start in 2009 – the aircraft will get an upgrade which will prolong their service life and introduce a completely new cockpit and advanced electronics. For 151 Filo this won’t change much to its current setup since their block 50s were already delivered with colour displays and advanced electronics. But this upgrade will enhance the aircraft even further to carry new kind of weapons and introduce new technologies which weren’t available at the time when the contract for these fighters was signed.

As a result of the coup d'etat of July 15th, 2016 the squadron inherited the traditions of 141 Filo. Before that time it was named Bronze (Tunc), but this was changed after that date.

TuAF F-16C block 50 #93-0664 from 151 Filo is seen taking off from Lechfeld AB during Exercise Elite 2007 on June 20th, 2007. [Photo by Colla Giovanni]

• 1940: Activation of the squadron in Çorlu
• 1940: P.24C (as VII TB, part of 5HA)
• 1941: 'Hurricane' Mk. I (as VIII TB)
• 1942: 'Hurricane' Mk. I (Bandirma)
• 1943: Fw190A-3 (as I TB, part of 5A, Bursa)
• 1945: 'Spitfire' Mk. VC
• 1946: 'Spitfire' Mk. V
• 1948: P-47D 'Thunderbolt'
• 1949: P-47D 'Thunderbolt' (part of 5AA)
• 1951: P-47D 'Thunderbolt' (re-designated 151 Filo, part of 5HU)
• 1952: Disbanded
• 1972: Activation of the squadron in Merzifon
• 1972: F-5A 'Freedom Fighter' (part of 5AJU)
• 1997: F-16C/D 'Fighting Falcon'

• All 151 Filo F-16s in our F-16 Aircraft Database (past and current aircraft)
• Current 151 Filo F-16s in our F-16 Aircraft Database

Special Thanks

Ole Nikolajsen