Turkey is still using third-generation F-4 Phantom II fighters - the nearly 50-year-old aircraft took part in the Anatilian Eagle exercise

The Turkish Air Force has no plans to give up its third-generation F-4 Phantom II fighters. The aircraft, which will soon be 50 years old, recently took part in the Anatilian Eagle exercise.

Here's What We Know

The F-4 Phantom II is a third-generation fighter-bomber developed by McDonnel Douglas. It made its first flight on May 27, 1958, which means this week could mark the 65th anniversary.

The Turkish Air Force has a younger, but also older version of the fighter, the F-4E Terminator 2020. It will soon turn 50 years old and has been in service the entire time. Not all aircraft can boast such an achievement. Especially when we are talking about the third generation of frontline fighters.

At the end of the last century, Turkey decided to carry out a deep modernisation of 54 aircrafts. For this, funding of $632 million was allocated. The work was carried out by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The aircraft were designated F-4E.

About half of 54 fighters were upgraded to Terminator 2020 level. They received modern avionics, new antennas and a navigation system. The upgrades enabled the aircraft to launch AGM-142 Popeye, AGM-65A/B Maverick missiles and drop GBU-10/12 Paveway laser-guided bombs.

The Turkish Air Force will continue using the F-4E Terminator 2020 for several more years. The reason for the extension is that Turkey was excluded from the F-35 programme after buying Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems and will not be able to purchase US fifth-generation fighters.

Source: The War Zone