This article summarizes reporting by Al Jazeera and official statements from Turkish and Libyan authorities.

Libyan Army Chief and High-Level Delegation Killed in Turkey Plane Crash

A private business jet carrying a high-level Libyan military delegation, including the Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan Army, crashed near Ankara, Turkey, on Tuesday evening. Authorities have confirmed that all eight individuals on board, five passengers and three crew members, perished in the incident. The crash occurred shortly after the delegation concluded high-level defense talks with Turkish officials.

According to reporting by Al Jazeera, the aircraft disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from Ankara’s Esenboga Airport. Turkish officials later located the wreckage in a rural area south of the capital. The loss of General Mohammed Ali Al-Haddad marks a significant blow to the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) and ongoing efforts to unify Libya’s fractured military institutions.

Incident Timeline and Crash Details

The aircraft, identified as a Dassault Falcon 50 with the registration 9H-DFJ, departed from Esenboga Airport (ESB) at approximately 20:10 local time (17:10 GMT) on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. It was en route to Tripoli, Libya.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that air traffic control lost the signal with the jet at 20:52 local time. Search and rescue teams, including Gendarmerie units, were immediately dispatched to the last known coordinates. The wreckage was subsequently discovered near Kesikkavak village in the Haymana district, roughly 70 to 75 kilometers south of Ankara.

Preliminary Cause

While a full investigation has been launched by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, initial reports suggest technical issues were a factor. Turkish officials indicated that the pilot contacted air traffic control to request an emergency landing due to an “electrical failure” moments before the signal was lost. Footage aired on Turkish media reportedly showed a flash of light in the night sky, consistent with a high-impact crash or explosion.

Casualties and Delegation Members

Libyan authorities have confirmed the identities of the five passengers, all of whom were key figures in the western Libyan military establishment. The three crew members, whose identities have not yet been released, also died in the crash.

The deceased delegation members include:

• General Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad: Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan Army (Tripoli-based).
• Major General Al-Fitouri Grebeel: Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces.
• Brigadier General Mahmoud al-Qutawi: Director of the Military Manufacturing Agency.
• Muhammad al-Assawi Diab: Advisor to the Chief of General Staff.
• Muhammad Omar Ahmed Mahjoub: A military photographer and media staff member.

“A great loss to the homeland.”

, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, mourning the delegation

Geopolitical Context and Defense Talks

The delegation was in Turkey for critical defense meetings, underscoring the deep military ties between the two nations. Earlier on Tuesday, General Al-Haddad met with Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler and General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, the Chief of the Turkish General Staff.

Turkey remains a primary backer of the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity. The visit coincided with a significant legislative move in Turkey; just one day prior, on Monday, the Turkish Parliament approved a motion to extend the mandate of Turkish troops in Libya for an additional two years. This extension facilitates continued military training and advisory support to forces in western Libya.

AirPro News Analysis

The death of General Al-Haddad creates an immediate and precarious vacuum in the military command structure of western Libya. Al-Haddad was not only a commander but a central figure in the delicate, UN-brokered negotiations to unify the country’s rival armed forces, specifically between his Tripoli-based cadres and the eastern forces led by General Khalifa Haftar.

We assess that his sudden absence may stall these unification talks and could trigger internal power struggles within the western military factions as they vie to fill the leadership void. The timing, immediately following the reaffirmation of Turkish military support, highlights the strategic sensitivity of the situation.

Official Reactions

In Tripoli, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah declared three days of national mourning. In a statement, he praised the deceased officers for their “sincerity and dedication” to the nation. The Turkish Ministry of Defense also issued a statement expressing condolences to the Libyan people and the families of the victims.

Sources

• Al Jazeera
• Anadolu Agency
• Turkish Ministry of Interior

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and official statements from the Mexican Navy (SEMAR).

Five Dead in Mexican Navy Medical Evacuation Crash in Galveston Bay

A humanitarian mission to transport a pediatric burn patient to specialized care ended in tragedy on Monday afternoon when a Mexican Navy Military-Aircraft crashed into Galveston Bay, Texas. According to reporting by Reuters and official statements from the Mexican Navy (Secretaría de Marina, SEMAR), five people have been confirmed dead, including the young patient and a medical doctor. One service member remains missing and is presumed deceased, while two individuals survived the impact.

The crash occurred on December 22, 2025, at approximately 3:17 PM CST, as the aircraft approached Scholes International Airports. The flight, operated by the Mexican Navy, was coordinating with the Michou and Mau Foundation to transfer a child suffering from severe burns from Mérida, Mexico, to Shriners Children’s Texas hospital. Heavy fog was reported in the area at the time, significantly reducing visibility and complicating immediate rescue efforts.

At AirPro News, we are tracking the Investigation into this incident, which highlights the inherent risks of critical care air transport operations conducted under adverse weather conditions.

Incident Details and Flight Context

The aircraft involved was a Beechcraft Super King Air 350, bearing the registration ANX-1209. It departed from Mérida International Airport in Yucatán earlier that day. The flight path took the crew over the Gulf of Mexico, destined for Galveston, where specialized medical teams were waiting.

According to local authorities and eyewitness accounts cited in reports, the plane went down in waters approximately 4 to 5 feet deep, just west of the Galveston Causeway. This location is roughly 50 miles southeast of Houston. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were described as severe, with heavy sea fog limiting visibility to between a quarter and a half-mile.

Rescue Operations

Despite the challenging conditions, first responders and local civilians acted quickly. Reports indicate that a local yacht captain, Sky Decker, was among the first on the scene. Navigating through the dense fog with police officers, Decker reportedly entered the water to assist in the rescue. He described finding a female survivor trapped in the wreckage with minimal air space remaining.

The U.S. Coast Guard, Galveston Police, Galveston Fire Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety launched a multi-agency response. While two survivors were pulled from the wreckage, the recovery operation for the remaining occupants transitioned into a grim search for the deceased.

Victims and Survivors

The Mexican Navy has released the identities of those on board. The casualty list includes both military personnel and civilians associated with the medical transfer.

Confirmed Fatalities

Five individuals have been confirmed dead following the crash:

• Federico Efraín Ramírez Cruz: The pediatric patient, identified in widespread reports as a 2-year-old boy, who was being transported for urgent burn care.
• Dr. Juan Alfonso Adame González: The attending medical doctor accompanying the patient.
• Lt. JG Víctor Rafael Pérez Hernández: A Mexican Navy pilot and officer.
• Lt. JG Juan Iván Zaragoza Flores: A Mexican Navy pilot and officer.
• Seaman Guadalupe Flores Barranco: A Mexican Navy crew member.

Missing and Presumed Deceased

As of the latest updates, Lt. JG Luis Enrique Castillo Terrones remains missing. Given the duration of the search and the condition of the wreckage, authorities have stated he is presumed dead.

Survivors

Two women survived the crash. Julia Aracelis Cruz Vera, identified as the patient’s companion and likely a family member, was rescued and reported to be uninjured. Miriam de Jesús Rosas Mancilla, a nurse, was hospitalized in stable condition.

Investigation and Official Statements

The investigation is being led by U.S. authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with the Mexican Navy conducting a parallel internal inquiry. Investigators are currently gathering data to determine the cause of the crash, with early attention focused on the heavy fog present during the approach.

In a statement, the Mexican Navy expressed deep regret over the loss of life. According to their official release:

“The aircraft was on a humanitarian mission focused on specialized medical transport.”

, Mexican Navy (SEMAR)

The Michou and Mau Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Mexican children with severe burns, expressed their solidarity with the victims’ families. Shriners Children’s Texas also confirmed they had been expecting the patient but directed all further inquiries to military authorities.

AirPro News Analysis

The Risks of Medical Evacuation Flights

While the specific cause of the ANX-1209 crash remains under investigation, this tragedy underscores the high-stakes nature of air ambulance and medical evacuation flights. Unlike standard commercial operations, medical flights often operate under immense pressure to complete their missions due to the critical condition of the patients on board. This “mission mindset” can sometimes complicate decision-making regarding weather minimums and instrument approaches.

The Beechcraft Super King Air 350 is a robust platform widely used for government and medical transport duties globally. However, approach and landing phases in low-visibility maritime environments, such as the fog reported over Galveston Bay, remain statistically the most dangerous portions of any flight. As the NTSB reviews the cockpit voice recorder and flight data, a key focus will likely be on the crew’s decision-making process during the final approach into Scholes International Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the crash?

The official cause has not yet been determined. However, heavy fog and low visibility were reported in the area at the time of the accident. The NTSB and FAA are investigating.

Who was on board the aircraft?

There were eight people on board: four Mexican Navy personnel and four civilians. The civilians included the patient, a family member, a doctor, and a nurse.

Was the patient admitted to the hospital?

Tragically, the patient, a young child, died in the crash before reaching the hospital.

Sources

• Reuters
• Mexican Navy (SEMAR)
• U.S. Coast Guard

This article is based on an official press release from Leonardo and additional contract details released by the Austrian Ministry of Defence.

Austria Selects Leonardo M-346 F Block 20 to Restore Air Training Sovereignty

The Austrian Ministry of Defence has officially signed a government-to-government (G2G) agreement with Italy for the acquisition of 12 Leonardo M-346 F Block 20 Military-Aircraft. The deal, finalized on December 17, 2025, marks a significant modernization effort for the Austrian Air Force (Luftstreitkräfte), aiming to fill the capability gap left by the retirement of the Saab 105 fleet in 2020.

According to the official press release from Leonardo, the Contracts was signed by the Italian Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness on behalf of Austria. The agreement encompasses not only the aircraft but a comprehensive support package designed to restore Austria’s ability to train pilots domestically.

Stefano Bortoli, Managing Director of Leonardo’s Aircraft Division, highlighted the significance of the deal in a company statement:

“We’re extremely proud of the launch of Austria’s M-346 programme… This programme confirms the international competitiveness of the M-346 system. It responds to the need for operational versatility dictated by today’s scenarios.”

Contract Scope and Delivery Timeline

The acquisition is valued at approximately €1.5 billion, a figure that includes the 12 aircraft, a Ground-Based Training System (GBTS), full-mission simulators, and a six-year logistics and maintenance support package. Deliveries of the new fleet are scheduled to begin in 2028, with the aircraft to be stationed at Linz-Hörsching Air Base.

This procurement is critical for Austria’s “Two-Fleet Strategy.” Since retiring the Saab 105, the Austrian Air Force has relied solely on the Eurofighter Typhoon for air policing, a high-cost solution for lower-intensity missions. Furthermore, Austrian pilots have been forced to train abroad in Italy and Germany. This contract aims to repatriate 100% of pilot Training to Austria.

Austrian Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition:

“With the purchase of these jets, we are closing a significant capability gap in our air force. This not only brings 100% of our pilot training back to Austria, but also significantly strengthens air defence.”

Technical Specifications: The “Block 20” Standard

Austria will serve as the lead customer for the M-346 F “Block 20” standard. While the M-346 is widely known as an advanced jet trainer, the “F” (Fighter) variant transforms the platform into a capable light combat aircraft. The Block 20 configuration introduces significant Avionics and sensor upgrades comparable to frontline fighters.

Advanced Avionics and Connectivity

According to technical specifications released regarding the deal, the Block 20 variant replaces traditional multi-function displays with a Large Area Display (LAD), a single wide touchscreen interface similar to that found in the F-35. The cockpit also features a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) system and advanced voice command capabilities to reduce pilot workload.

Combat Capabilities

The aircraft will be equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar-Systems, providing superior target detection compared to mechanical radars. For interoperability with NATO partners, the jets will feature Link 16 tactical data links. In terms of armament, the fleet will be integrated with IRIS-T infrared-guided missiles, laser-guided bombs, and a 20mm cannon pod, allowing the M-346 to handle air policing duties against slow-moving targets and border patrol missions.

AirPro News Analysis

The selection of the M-346 F allows Austria to implement a “High/Low Mix” strategy. By offloading training and low-intensity intercept missions to the M-346, which costs roughly €10,000 per flight hour to operate, the Air Force can preserve the airframe life of its Eurofighter Typhoons, which are significantly more expensive to fly. This approach mirrors strategies used by other European air forces to balance operational readiness with budget constraints.

Industrial Cooperation and Economic Impact

A central component of the G2G agreement is a parallel industrial cooperation deal intended to boost the Austrian economy. Austrian Economy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer stated that the agreement ensures tax revenue flows back into domestic value creation.

“With the cooperation, an investment volume of around 400 million euros returns to Austria. This strengthens industry, enables new research projects and secures jobs.”

The cooperation focuses on aerospace engineering, digitalization, and maintenance, ensuring that local Austrian companies are integrated into the supply chain for the aircraft’s sustainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Austria choose the M-346?
The M-346 fills a specific gap left by the Saab 105. It serves as both an advanced trainer and a light fighter, allowing Austria to train pilots domestically and conduct cost-effective air policing missions.

When will the aircraft arrive?
Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2028.

Does this replace the Eurofighter?
No. The M-346 complements the Eurofighter as part of a “Two-Fleet Strategy.” The Eurofighter remains the primary platform for high-intensity supersonic interception, while the M-346 handles training and lower-intensity tasks.

What is the “Block 20” upgrade?
Block 20 is the latest standard for the M-346, featuring an AESA radar, Large Area Display cockpit, Helmet Mounted Display, and compatibility with modern weapons like the IRIS-T missile.

Sources

• Leonardo Press Release
• Austrian Ministry of Defence