Turkish Stars

Turkish Stars (Türk Yıldızları) are the national aerobatic team of the Turkish Air Force, formed on 7 November 1992 and publicly named in January 1993. Flying upgraded Canadair NF-5A/B 2000 supersonic jets, they’ve long been known for dramatic, tight-formation jet aerobatics and large-scale crowd appeal.

The team is based at Konya — 3rd Main Jet Base as the 134th “Akrotim” Squadron, with pilots drawn from frontline fast-jet units. Turkish Stars have historically displayed with up to eight aircraft and are renowned for their record-setting 2001 Baku show, watched by more than a million spectators.

While continuing NF-5 displays, the Turkish Air Force is modernising with the indigenous TAI HÜRJET trainer/light fighter — which has already flown in formation with the team — signalling the path for future demonstrations.

Origin. The NF-5 is the Canadian-built variant of the Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter, produced by Canadair for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Turkey acquired ex-RNLAF airframes in the 1990s and overhauled them for display/service use.

Layout & powerplant. Twin-engine, single/twin-seat light fighter with a small delta-like planform and leading-edge extensions, powered by two GE J85 turbojets. The type is agile, compact and supersonic — ideal for close formation and opposition solo manoeuvres.

Upgrades for displays. Turkish Stars aircraft received 2000-standard updates and show mods (refreshed avionics, reliability/life-extension work, smoke-generation plumbing and paint). The team uses red/white schemes echoing the national flag, with red and white smoke effects.

1992–1995. Team formed (Nov 1992); first public shows followed in 1993 using NF-5A/B jets. By 1995 the team was flying seven-ship routines, later expanding to eight when serviceable availability allowed.

2000s. Extensive domestic and international touring; signature red/white smoke and large formation figures. 24 Aug 2001 Baku display drew over a million spectators — a long-standing headline record for the team.

2010s. Continued with NF-5 2000 standard upgrades, marking milestones such as the 400th+ and 500th+ public shows. Logistics support has included transport types like the A400M, C-130 and CN-235.

2020s. Turkey’s indigenous HÜRJET program advances; in 2023 HÜRJET flew in formation with Turkish Stars, signalling an eventual transition path while NF-5 displays continue.

• Turkish Stars belong to the 134th “Akrotim” Squadron at Konya’s 3rd Main Jet Base.
• The team has historically displayed with up to eight supersonic jets in formation.
• They’re famed for a 2001 Baku performance viewed by well over a million spectators.
• Team smoke is red and white to echo Turkey’s flag, often woven into crescents and star-themed figures.
• In 2023, indigenous HÜRJET flew in formation with the team — a preview of future displays.