Turkish Aviation Firm Hit By A Terror Attack, Resulting in 5 Dead And 22 Injured

Five people died and twenty two more injured in a devastating attack at the Turkish Aviation Firm Headquarters, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS). Three people are reportedly in critical condition among the injured. Shaking the country and putting its security at risk, the incident took place at one of Turkey’s most important defence and aviation sites near Ankara.
Condemnation From Global Leaders Against The Attack On Turkish Aviation Firm
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who was in Kazan, Russia at the BRICS conference alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, swiftly condemned the attack as news of it spread. “This heinous terrorist attack will not go unpunished,” Erdoğan declared, denouncing the violence targeting the Turkish Aviation Firm.
Putin also extended his condolences, stating, “I would like to express my sorrow for the lives lost and the injured in this cruel act.”
Attack Details and Response
The Turkish Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, provided initial updates, confirming that two attackers, a man and a woman, had been “neutralised” by security forces.
The identities and motives of the perpetrators are not yet known, he said, and Yerlikaya did not confirm whether there were additional attackers.
Footage broadcast by Turkish media early Thursday showed armed assailants entering the Turkish Aviation Firm (TUSAS) building armed with assault rifles and backpacks holding what police said were likely explosives.
Multiple explosions were heard in and around Turkish Aviation Firm and then there were bursts of rapid gunfire, said witnesses. Violence happened around peak work hours, as employees started leaving the facility.
Media Blackout and Emergency Response
Ambulances and helicopters were quickly sent to the scene to remind the emergency response teams of their quadruple role of search, rescue, treatment and transport.
The images were broadcast by foreign media which showed a damaged gate and gunfire traded in a parking lot in front of the building. But live broadcasts from the site were halted abruptly when Turkey’s media watchdog blocked the media from airing images and footage of the scene.

Image Source: The Business Standard
After the attack, prosecutors opened an official investigation into the incident. Some reports of a possible suicide attack and possible hostage-taking had come early Thursday, but officials have not confirmed they were right. The attack on the Turkish Aviation Firm has not been blamed on any terrorist group so far.
A Shelter-in-Place for Employees
Security personnel quickly moved those inside the Turkish Aerospace Industries headquarters into shelters when the attack occurred.
Authorities say no one was allowed to leave the Turkish Aviation Firm premises for several hours because they were working to secure the area and ensure the safety of those who remained.
Witnesses said there were explosions at various exits as employees tried to leave the building, suggesting the attackers were trying to trap people inside.
Reaction from Turkish Officials
Politicians in Turkey condemned the attack. Opposition leader Ozgur Ozel, head of the CHP party, as well as Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu, expressed outrage. “I condemn the terrorist attack against TAI facilities in Kahraman Kazan,” Ozel stated, calling for unity against terrorism. “No matter where it comes from, terrorism is an enemy to all, and we must stand firm against it.”
The Importance of Turkish Aerospace Industries
Turkey’s defence sector is dependent on the Turkish Aviation Firm, TUSAS. The company is best known for its work on Turkey’s first national combat aircraft, the KAAN and other forms of aviation or defence projects. As the company employs more than 10,000 people, it is the central element of Turkey’s military capabilities.
Any attack on TUSAS facilities is considered an attack on Turkey’s border defence aspirations, the spirit behind which has been integral to Turkey’s vision of a strong and independent defence sector.
Authorities have since raised serious concerns over the security of the country’s high profile defence infrastructure and many have called for strict measures to mitigate future attacks.
Response From NATO And International Community
The attack has crossed over beyond Turkey’s borders with NATO expressing solidarity with Turkey following the tragedy. “NATO is with our ally Turkey,” said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. “We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and are deeply monitoring developments.”
Similar Attacks in Turkey
This attack on Turkish Aviation Firm comes amid a string of violent incidents Turkey has faced in years past. The last previous attack was in October 2023, when an explosion at a government district in Ankara injured two police officers.
The attack, claimed by the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party), also came after tensions in the country escalated. The PKK, blamed by the Turkish state for tens of thousands of deaths in a long-running conflict, is waging an armed interfacial against the Turkish state and fighting to reach the Kurds and other communities in Turkey.
Two gunmen went on a rampage inside a Catholic church in Istanbul in January leaving one dead. Islamic State militants later claimed responsibility for this assault.
A National Call for Unity
Following a terrorist attack on the Istanbul office of the Turkish Aviation Firm, heads have been calling for national unity and resilience. With the investigation continuing, people in Turkey are reminded of its ongoing struggle with insurgency and terrorist threats.
Turkey’s President Erdoğan stated that he is ready to ramp up the security and defence resources of the country at the BRICS conference.” We will not allow terrorism to undermine our progress or threaten our people,” he said, vowing to bring those responsible to justice.

Image Source: Reuters
The identities and motives of the attackers are still unknown, but law enforcement and security forces have responded quickly, said Jamil Hamady, a member of the Sudanese opposition coalition.
Ongoing Investigation Will Disclose Further Updates
The terrorist attack against the Turkish Aerospace Industries is a timely reminder of the endemic threat of terrorism Turkey continues to face. As for this heinous act, authorities are still probing what may have happened with five dead and at least twenty two wounded.
Global and national leaders today commended Turkey for continued efforts to combat terrorism and protect key national infrastructure like TUSAS, and the international community stands in solidarity with the country.
However, as Turkish investigators continue work to determine who was responsible and prevent more threats to Turkish Aviation Firm and the nation’s defence sector, the spotlight remains on uncovering those who were behind the attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters?
An attack occurred at the Turkish Aviation Firm’s headquarters, resulting in the deaths of five people and injuring 22 others. The incident involved explosions and gunfire at the facility near Ankara, Turkey’s key defense and aviation site.
Who has been held responsible for the attack?
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Turkish Aviation Firm. Investigations are ongoing, and the identities and motives of the perpetrators remain unknown.
How did the Turkish government respond to the attack?
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous terrorist act” and vowed that the attackers would be brought to justice. The Turkish Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed that two attackers were neutralized, and security forces are still investigating the incident.
How important is Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) to Turkey?
The Turkish Aviation Firm is a cornerstone of Turkey’s defense sector, responsible for projects like the KAAN, the country’s first national combat aircraft. The company employs over 10,000 people and plays a significant role in bolstering Turkey’s military capabilities.
What has been the international reaction to the attack?
NATO, along with other international bodies, expressed solidarity with Turkey. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte condemned the act of terrorism and reaffirmed the alliance’s support for Turkey in the face of such attacks.