132 Filo ( TUAF)

The F-16 history of 132 Filo is relatively young. The unit has always been a training unit in the Turkish air Force. When it was reactivated in 1992, its mission was still of a training unit, but through the years the squadron was redirected to a role of Weapons Tactics and adversary training.

At first the NF-5A/B aircraft who Turkey bought second-hand from the Netherlands in the early nineties were used for this task. Since this aircraft was withdrawn from use in 2007, the Turkish military had to find another aircraft to fulfil this duty it very soon came across the F-16. Since the F-16 still is the most modern asset of the Turkish air force and because this airframe is very often used abroad in the Weapons Tactics and adversary roles, The Turkish Staff decided it was to become the new aircraft for 132 Filo.

TuAF F-16C block 40 #92-0005 from 132 Filo is seen taxiing out to take off from RAF Lakenheath on July 8th, 2007. [Photo by Benn George]

Other squadrons of the Turkish air force were ordered to donate one or more F-16s to 132 Filo. The majority of aircraft came from 141 Filo, with also 181 and 182 Filos supporting the operation. The squadron does not possess a full strength complement of F-16s, since this is not necessary for the assigned role. All aircraft are of the block 40 version meaning the squadron can standardize its operational syllabi.

In 2014 a number of block 50 airframes were inserted into the squadron bringing it on to full squadron strength. This means the squadron has two blocks on its strength. This was done to also accommodate more specific block 50 training to the Turkish air force and to bring the unit onto full combat strength.

In late 2016, early 2017 the squadron took delivery of block 30 airframes coming from the disbanded 153 Filo. The block 40 airframes were further transferred to other units flying that specific block.

• 1966: Activation of the squadron in Çigli
• 1966: T-37C 'Tweet' (part of 3JEU)
• 1969: T-37C 'Tweet' (part of 3AJU, Konya)
• 1970: F-84F/Q 'Thunderstreak'
• 1974: F-100C/F 'Super Sabre'
• 1987: F-4E 'Phantom II'
• 1990: Disbanded
• 1992: Activation of the squadron in Konya
• 1992: NF-5A/B 'Freedom Fighter' (part of 3AJU)
• 2007: F-16C/D 'Fighting Falcon'

• All 132 Filo F-16s in our F-16 Aircraft Database (past and current aircraft)
• Current 132 Filo F-16s in our F-16 Aircraft Database

Special Thanks

Ole Nikolajsen