HA19079 | Hobby Master Military 1:72 | McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II, 50th Years of Turkish AF 77-0303, Turkish Air Force, Nov 2024

The Turkish Air Force (Türk Hava Kuvvetleri) first received the F-4 Phantom II in 1974 under the Peace Diamond I program, eventually operating over 230 F-4Es, RF-4Es, and upgraded variants. These aircraft became a cornerstone of Turkey’s air defense and strike capabilities, participating in operations against PKK bases in northern Iraq, ISIS targets, and numerous NATO exercises. In the 1990s, Turkey modernized a portion of its fleet to the F-4E 2020 “Terminator” standard with upgraded avionics, radar, and advanced weapon systems including Israeli-made Popeye missiles and indigenous Roketsan munitions. Despite plans to replace the F-4 with the F-35, Turkey’s exclusion from the program following its acquisition of the S-400 system means the Phantom is expected to remain in service until at least 2030. In November 2024, the Turkish Air Force celebrated 50 years of Phantom service with aerial displays and commemorative events, highlighting the aircraft’s enduring role in Turkish defence.