| 132nd Weapons & Tactics Squadron "Daggers" | |
|---|---|
| 132'nci Silah ve Taktikler Filosu "Hançerler" | |
 | |
| Active | 1966 – 1990 1992 – present |
| Country |  Turkey |
| Branch |  Turkish Air Force |
| Role | Fighter Test flight Aggressor Aerobatic demonstration |
| Part of | Combatant Air Force
|
| Garrison/HQ | Konya Air Base |
| Mottos | Sun to the friend, fear to the enemy. |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | F-16C Block 50 Fighting Falcon |
132nd Squadron "Daggers" is a fighter squadron of theTurkish Air Force specialized in the development of courses for the efficient use ofweapons andtactics.[1] It also servesaggressor duties mainly duringNATO exercises.[2]
The squadron also consists ofSoloTürk, the air force'saerobatic demonstration team.[3] On the contrary to theTurkish Stars, this squadron is only differentiated by itslivery. Aside that, SoloTürk aircraft are capable of regular fighter duties and carried out many operations throughout the years.[4]
The squadron was first established in 1966 atÇiğli Air Base, where the Air Training Command is located, as a regular training squadron and it had little to no role in combat.[5] The squadron then receivedF-4 Phantoms in 1987 to carry outlead-in fighter training duties. Following the quick acquisition of F-4 Phantoms with minimal training and preparedness, because of theCyprus Crisis, the air force failed in getting accustomed to the use and maintenance of F-4 Phantoms, and it resulted in the crash of over 15 aircraft until 1980.[6] In 1989, as the Turkish Air Force suffered aircraft shortage after constant crashes, the squadron was temporarily shut down and its aircraft were allocated to combatant units.[6]
Following its reintroduction in 1992, the squadron was moved toKonya Air Base, operatingNorthrop F-5s until 2007. While it was still a training squadron, its roles were eventually enlarged into the concept of "weapon and tactics", a combination ofaggressor, test and tactics development tasks.[6]
The squadron started usingF-16 Fighting Falcons from 2007, as the Turkish Air Force gradually started retiring the existing Northrop F-5s in service, except for theTurkish Stars.[6] In 2016, after thecoup attempt, SoloTürk was moved to theKonya Air Base and restructured under the 132nd Squadron, as its parent unit, the 141st Squadron, was dissolved.[7]
By 2017, the squadron is tasked with providing aerial protection to thepresident of Turkey, and since then, two F-16s escort the flight.[8] One year later, 12 F-16s of the squadron were deployed for theOperation Euphrates Shield, providing air support to military operation by bombarding manySyrian Democratic Forces andIslamic State positions.[4] Reports suggest that thetactical bombing by the squadron killed 11, and injured 16.[9]