Turkey is burning from all sides: 'The TAF should take a role'

CHP Deputy Chairman Yankı Bağcıoğlu emphasized that the capacity of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) should be used more effectively against the successive forest fires. Stating that the problems experienced in fighting the fires are "not an accident, but a preventable institutional negligence," Bağcıoğlu suggested that the firefighting aircraft belonging to the Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK) should be modernized and put back into service.

Reminding that the representative of the Ministry of National Defense cannot even attend the National Disaster and Emergency Board due to legislation, Bağcıoğlu said that this is an unacceptable situation.

'SUPPORT FOR THK MUST BE INCREASED'

Yankı Bağcıoğlu stated that despite the intensive promotional activities carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry before the fire season, it has not been able to develop an effective strategy regarding the procurement, maintenance, and coordination of aerial vehicles. Bağcıoğlu said the following:

“What is happening is not an accident; it is a preventable institutional negligence. The existing aircraft belonging to the THK should be modernized and used, and firefighting pilots should be trained at the THK. The maintenance and repair of aircraft and helicopters should be the responsibility of the THK; TUSAŞ and the Air Force should also provide technical support.”

ÖZDAĞ: FIRES ARE A NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUE

Zafer Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ stated that Turkey enters the fire season every summer with the same lack of preparation, saying, “Forest fires have now become a national security issue.” Özdağ emphasized that there is a lack of sufficient manpower, aerial vehicles, and intelligence infrastructure.

“Large fires breaking out in different places start at the same time. The government is still unprepared for this situation. Nature and the citizens are paying the price for this negligence.”

RENTAL COSTS ARE 3 TIMES THE PURCHASE BUDGET

CHP Hatay Deputy Nermin Yıldırım Kara criticized the aerial vehicle policies of the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM). Speaking to SÖZCÜ, Kara pointed out that the rental payments made to different countries are far above the budget allocated for purchasing.

According to the information provided by Kara:

20 thousand fire workers, 5 thousand technical personnel, and 122 thousand volunteers are working in the fight against fires.

There are only 9 helicopters and 10 aircraft in the OGM's inventory.

The number was increased to 105 helicopters and 27 aircraft with rentals made during the summer season.

5 new tenders were held in 2025.

While 131 million TL was paid for 2 aircraft rented from Russia in 2023, 164 million TL was paid for only 1 aircraft in 2024.

In the last 3 years, the OGM has allocated only 1.2 billion TL for the purchase of aircraft and helicopters.

A total of 3.78 billion TL was spent on rentals. This figure is approximately three times the budget allocated for purchasing.

News Source: 12punto