Statement from the Ministry of National Defense regarding the death of Air Force Academy student Veli Bilgin

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) has issued a statement regarding the death of Air Force Academy student Veli Bilgin, who lost his life after falling ill during training in Yalova.

In its statement, the Ministry noted that administrative and judicial investigations into the incident are being conducted with "great sensitivity." It was noted that the forensic medicine report is awaited to determine the exact cause of death.

''The incident is being meticulously examined in all its aspects, and the forensic medicine report that will determine the exact cause of death is awaited. The findings obtained from the judicial process and administrative investigation will be shared with the public.''

The statement emphasized that respect should be shown for the grief of the family of the deceased cadet. It requested that no credence be given to speculations, probabilities, and allegations circulating on social media outside of official statements.

The MSB also published a message of condolence for Veli Bilgin, stating, “We wish God's mercy upon our deceased cadet; we extend our condolences and patience to his grieving family, our Turkish Armed Forces, and our beloved nation.”

The same statement from the Ministry also touched upon the Eurofighter procurement process. Accordingly, it is planned that flight personnel will be sent to the United Kingdom in August 2026 to begin flight training in a short time. It was reported that, within the scope of the signed contract, flight and maintenance personnel will continue to be sent to the United Kingdom over the coming years.