Editing Northrop F-5 (section)

===Turkey===
[[File:Turkish Air Force Northrop F5.jpg|thumb|A F-5/2000]]
The Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter has held an important place in the [[Turkish Air Force]] (Türk Hava Kuvvetleri - THK) since its introduction in the mid-1960s. Initially delivered through the United States' Military Assistance Program (MAP), the F-5A/B models served as light fighter-bombers and advanced jet trainers. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Turkey expanded its F-5 fleet with the acquisition of NF-5A/B aircraft from the Royal Netherlands Air Force. These variants featured upgraded avionics and structural improvements compared to the original F-5 models. Many of these NF-5s became iconic through their use by [[Türk Yıldızları]] (Turkish Stars), the Air Force's elite aerobatic team.<ref>https://strasam.org/savunma/havacilik-ve-uzay-sanayii/turk-yildizlarinin-ucagi-f-5-yuksek-satis-basarisini-yakalamisken-yerine-gelistirilen-f-20-tigersharklar-neden-hic-satis-yapamadi-2539</ref>

To maintain the F-5's operational relevance and extend the aircraft's service life, Turkey launched the F-5/2000 modernization program in the late 1990s by [[Israeli Military Industries]]. This program aimed to upgrade 48 aircraft, primarily for use as lead-in fighter trainers to support the Turkish Air Force’s F-16 fleet. The modernization involved extensive airframe life extension, improved cockpit ergonomics, and significant avionics upgrades. These included the integration of a modern head-up display (HUD), multifunction displays, a digital mission computer, and an embedded GPS/INS navigation system. Additionally, the aircraft received a new stores management system, enabling compatibility with modern training ordnance and systems. The result was a more capable and reliable platform for pilot training and support roles, bridging the technological gap between older jet trainers and fourth-generation fighters.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/turkiyenin-f-5a-b-freedom-fighter-seruveni/ | title=Türkiye'nin F-5A/B Freedom Fighter Serüveni &#124; SavunmaSanayiST | date=13 August 2020 }}</ref>