After decades of history, years of painstaking restoration and extraordinary dedication, one of aviation’s most iconic fighter aircraft has returned to the skies — wearing the striking colours of the Turkish Air Force.
Images from flugrevue.de and the MSÖ Air & Space Museum
Now, more than eight decades after the aircraft first entered service, a remarkable restoration project in Turkey has brought a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 back to life. On 3 July 2026, a beautifully restored Fw 190A-8/N took to the skies above Sivrihisar, marking the first flight of a Focke-Wulf 190 in Turkey for 79 years.
It was a moment of immense historical significance, and a fitting tribute to one of the great achievements of twentieth-century aviation engineering.
A Unique Connection to Turkish Aviation History
Although most closely associated with the German Luftwaffe, the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 also holds a fascinating place in Turkish aviation history.
Between 1942 and 1943, Turkey acquired 72 factory-new Fw 190 fighters from Germany. These aircraft served with the Turkish Air Force, operating from Eskişehir, and were highly regarded by their pilots for their performance, rugged construction and impressive handling characteristics.
The aircraft remained in Turkish service into the post-war years, making Turkey's relationship with the Fw 190 an unusual and important chapter in the aircraft's history.
The return of a flying Fw 190 to Turkish skies is therefore far more than the restoration of a vintage warbird. It represents the revival of a tangible connection to the country's own aviation heritage — a connection that had been absent from its skies for nearly eight decades.
A Striking Tribute to the Past
One of the most immediately captivating features of the restored aircraft is its extraordinary livery.
Finished in a dramatic dark colour scheme, the aircraft presents an imposing and elegant appearance that perfectly complements the muscular lines of Kurt Tank's famous fighter design.
The distinctive historic Turkish Air Force Kare Fors insignia provides a striking contrast against the dark fuselage and wings, creating an appearance that is both visually arresting and historically meaningful.
Unlike the more familiar camouflage schemes associated with Luftwaffe Fw 190s, this aircraft's appearance offers aviation enthusiasts something refreshingly different. It is a powerful reminder that the Focke-Wulf story extends well beyond Germany.
The combination of the aircraft's broad wings, compact fuselage, distinctive radial-engine profile and beautifully executed markings makes this restored example a truly memorable sight, whether standing on the airfield or roaring overhead.
Years of Dedication, Skill and Patience
Bringing an aircraft of this age and complexity back into flying condition is an extraordinary undertaking.
The story of this particular aircraft begins with the remains of an original Fw 190A-5, manufactured in 1943 and lost in northern France in 1944. Its subsequent reconstruction involved extensive work in the United States, incorporating surviving historic components alongside newly manufactured parts, including components supplied by German specialist Flug Werk.
In January 2025, the aircraft was acquired by Turkish aviator and museum founder Ali İsmet Öztürk for the M.S.Ö. Air and Space Museum. It arrived at the Sivrihisar Aviation Center in May 2025, where an intensive programme of restoration and preparation for flight began.
Led by Öztürk, an 11-person team from Mach Teknik devoted approximately 14 months to the project. The aircraft was carefully dismantled, inspected and rebuilt, with extensive work undertaken on the engine, wings, structural components and mechanical systems.
Even the propeller represented a considerable challenge, requiring specialist manufacture in the United Kingdom over a period of approximately one year.
This was not simply a cosmetic restoration intended to produce an attractive museum exhibit. Every component had to satisfy the demanding requirements of an aircraft intended to fly again.
The result reflects years of international collaboration, engineering expertise, painstaking craftsmanship and, perhaps most importantly, an unwavering determination to preserve aviation history.
Back Where It Belongs — In the Sky
On 3 July 2026, all that dedication was rewarded.
With experienced German test pilot Klaus Plasa at the controls, the restored Focke-Wulf took off from the Sivrihisar Aviation Center for a successful flight lasting approximately 15 minutes.
The aircraft completed its initial flying manoeuvres before returning safely to the airfield, marking an extraordinary milestone for everyone involved.
Subsequent flight testing included nine sorties, allowing the restoration team to assess the aircraft's performance and identify further technical refinements.
For those fortunate enough to witness its return to flight, the sight and sound of this legendary fighter in the air must have been unforgettable.
The aircraft is now based at the M.S.Ö. Air and Space Museum in Sivrihisar, Turkey, where it forms part of an impressive collection of historic aircraft. Its successful return to flight places it among the extremely small number of Fw 190 aircraft worldwide that have been restored to flying condition.
Preserving the Spirit of Aviation
There is something profoundly special about seeing a historic aircraft fly again.
A static museum exhibit can tell us much about the past, but a flying aircraft brings history to life in a way that few other experiences can match. The sound of its engine, the movement of its control surfaces and the unmistakable silhouette against the sky offer a direct connection to the engineering achievements of another era.
The Turkish Focke-Wulf restoration is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when passion for aviation history is combined with exceptional technical expertise and determination.
It also serves as a reminder of the extraordinary legacy of the Focke-Wulf name — a company whose aircraft helped shape the history of aviation through innovation, distinctive design and remarkable engineering.
For aviation enthusiasts around the world, the return of this magnificent Fw 190 is cause for celebration. For Turkey, it represents the restoration of an important part of its own aviation story.
And for the dedicated team who spent countless hours bringing this remarkable machine back to life, it is an achievement of which they can be justifiably proud.
Nearly 80 years after Focke-Wulf fighters last flew in Turkish skies, the unmistakable silhouette of the Fw 190 has returned. A legend has taken flight once more.
From Aviation Legend to Timeless Watchmaking
The enduring fascination with the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 extends far beyond the aircraft itself. Its unmistakable design, engineering excellence and remarkable aviation heritage continue to inspire enthusiasts around the world.
That same appreciation for historic aircraft and precision engineering is reflected in the Focke Wulf Watches collection of aviation-inspired timepieces.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary aircraft of the Focke-Wulf company, the collection celebrates the golden age of aviation through distinctive Flieger watches, classic pilot watches and elegant men's aviation watches.
Models such as the Focke Wulf Würger 2 Flieger watch pay tribute to the famous Fw 190, combining the functional character of traditional pilot-watch design with contemporary watchmaking and refined styling.
For enthusiasts who admire the remarkable engineering of aircraft such as the Fw 190, a Focke Wulf watch offers a way to carry a small piece of that aviation heritage on their wrist.
Discover the collection of Focke Wulf aviation watches, where Swiss quality, German engineering heritage and classic styling come together.
Further reading: M.S.Ö. Air and Space Museum — Focke-Wulf 190 and Vintage Aviation News — Restoration and first flight.