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Feb 15 2023

Earthquake response: Strategic Airlift Capability flies six relief missions to Türkiye


Pápa, Hungary – In response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye on 6 February, the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) has transported over 160 tonnes of equipment and personnel to the country.

Cargos of the C-17s flying to the affected regions included search and rescue equipment and specialist teams, firefighting units with vehicles and equipment, mobile tents, a K-loader, and humanitarian aid collected by the international community of Pápa, Hungary.

In the last seven days, six missions were flown to transport vital supplies on behalf of the Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Finland and the United States. These missions demonstrate the importance of strategic airlift capabilities for urgent requirements.

Earthquake response: Strategic Airlift Capability flies six relief missions to Türkiye
Earthquake response: Strategic Airlift Capability flies six relief missions to Türkiye
Swedish military crisis team arrives in Türkiye at night to aid disaster relief

Through the SAC programme, ten NATO Allies and two partner countries jointly own and operate three Boeing C-17 heavy cargo aircraft, sharing flying hours and costs. The SAC C-17 aircraft are equipped to handle a variety of cargo types making them a rapidly available choice for Member Nations to transport personnel and equipment for search and rescue and disaster response operations.

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) manages the life-cycle of the three C-17 aircraft stationed at Pápa Airbase, including acquisition and sustainment activities.

Earthquake response: Strategic Airlift Capability flies six relief missions to Türkiye
Earthquake response: Strategic Airlift Capability flies six relief missions to Türkiye
Earthquake response: Strategic Airlift Capability flies six relief missions to Türkiye
The Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) C-17 during mission to Türkiye to help in its search and rescue and disaster relief efforts.

Story by NATO Support and Procurement Agency

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