Home  /  Newsroom  /  News  /  News 2023  /  Strategic Airlift Capability's C-17 makes relief flight to Türkiye

Feb 7 2023

Strategic Airlift Capability's C-17 makes relief flight to Türkiye


Pápa, Hungary – In the wake of the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck southern Türkiye and Syria yesterday, the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) is providing support to international search and rescue efforts in Türkiye.

A C-17 aircraft took off just two hours after receiving a request from the Netherlands to pick up 20 tons of USAR Dutch search and rescue equipment from Eindhoven Air Base.

This rapid-reaction transport mission is not the first time that the SAC has been used to support international rescue efforts. In 2020, the Heavy Airlift Wing, the operational military arm of the SAC, transported the same USAR search and rescue units to Lebanon following an explosion in Beirut. The SAC's ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies highlights the crucial role it plays in providing support to Member Nations in times of need.

The C-17 aircraft are equipped to handle a variety of cargo types and the SAC C-17-s are rapidly available for Member Nations, making them a good choice for transporting personnel and equipment for search and rescue operations. The SAC's mission is to provide its Member Nations with a rapid and flexible airlift capability, and this latest deployment is a testament to that commitment.

The thoughts of the SAC team are with those affected by the disaster in the region. We stand ready to assist and support in any way we can and are proud to support the efforts of the international community in this time of need.

📷 defensie.nl

Story by Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC)

Find us on