SOURCE: AFI
On April 28, 2025, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules belonging to the Turkish Air Force was tracked flying over the Arabian Sea, as reported by the flight tracking service ADS-B Exchange. The aircraft, bearing the registration number 68-01606 and operating under the call sign TUAF509, was detected at 14:20:11Z (UTC) with a squawk code of 4701.
The flight’s unusual route, which appeared to be heading toward Karachi, Pakistan, has sparked widespread curiosity about its purpose and Turkey’s military activities in the region. Open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysis and flight tracking data have fueled speculation that the aircraft may be involved in an urgent transfer of ammunition for Pakistan’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fleet.
The sighting of a Turkish military C-130 Hercules over the Arabian Sea is noteworthy, as Turkish Air Force operations in this region are relatively uncommon. The C-130 Hercules is a versatile, four-engine turboprop aircraft designed for tactical airlift missions, capable of transporting troops, equipment, and supplies over long distances. Its presence in international airspace near the Arabian Peninsula has raised questions about the nature of its mission.
Flight tracking platforms like ADS-B Exchange, which rely on Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) signals, provide real-time data on aircraft movements, offering a window into military operations that might otherwise remain opaque. The TUAF509 flight’s trajectory, as observed by OSINT enthusiasts, suggests it was en route to Karachi, a major port city and hub for Pakistan’s military logistics. While the exact destination and purpose of the flight remain unconfirmed by official sources, the flight path has prompted analysts to connect it to Turkey’s growing defense cooperation with Pakistan.
One of the leading theories, based on OSINT discussions, is that the C-130 was carrying an urgent shipment of ammunition for Pakistan’s UAV fleet. Pakistan has increasingly relied on drones for reconnaissance and combat operations, particularly in its efforts to counter security threats along its borders. Turkey, a global leader in UAV technology, has supplied Pakistan with advanced systems like the Bayraktar TB2 and Anka drones in recent years, strengthening bilateral defense ties.
The Bayraktar TB2, in particular, has gained international recognition for its precision strike capabilities and affordability, making it a cornerstone of Pakistan’s UAV arsenal. These drones require specialized munitions, such as laser-guided bombs and missiles, which Turkey’s defense industry—led by companies like Baykar and Roketsan—is well-positioned to provide. An urgent airlift of such supplies could indicate heightened operational needs, possibly tied to ongoing or anticipated military activities in Pakistan or the broader region.
The timing of the flight adds further intrigue. The Arabian Sea is a strategically sensitive area, with ongoing tensions in the Middle East and South Asia. Pakistan’s military has been actively engaged in counterterrorism operations and border security, particularly along its western frontier with Afghanistan. A rapid resupply of UAV munitions could signal preparations for intensified drone operations, though no official statements from Turkey or Pakistan have confirmed this hypothesis.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.