US troops in Turkey receive specialised air filters for enhanced CBRN readiness
Fifty-nine collective-protection filters arrived at Incirlik Air Base, southern Turkey, on 22 January. The shipment marks a major milestone in a $780,000 medical infrastructure upgrade designed to ensure uninterrupted care during CBRN contamination scenarios, according to a statement released by the US Air Force.
"The delivery supports a 10-year collective-protection filter upgrade at Incirlik’s medical treatment facility, one of only two in the US Air Force certified to operate during CBRN events," the statement added. "The project was designated as the top priority by the United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Surgeon General and helps directly strengthen the base’s ability to sustain medical operations in contingency environments."
"This was not a routine shipment," said Staff Sergeant Jarred Bundlie, 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of inbound cargo. "Moving 59 pallets of highly specialised equipment across multiple international and regulatory barriers required deliberate planning and constant coordination to make sure everything arrived safely and on schedule."
The filter replacement comes after medical facilities and logistics teams determined that the existing filters had reached their maximum effective weight. While the filters do not have a fixed expiration date, weight serves as a key indicator that the filtering material has reached its maximum particulate capacity. The filters had been used regularly during monthly training for more than a decade, according to the US Air Force. A new contract was finalised in April 2025 and the replacement filters were placed into production to restore the system to full operational capability.
"Sustained medical operations within the protected space"
"These filters are integral to our mission," said Captain Rose Smith, 39th Healthcare Operations Squadron logistics flight commander. "They allow us to convert the first floor of our medical facility into a hardened, CBRN-resistant environment, supporting around 150 patients until they can be transferred to a higher echelon of care."
Once installed, the upgraded system will enable sustained medical operations within the protected space, supporting patient care while reducing risk to medical personnel during prolonged contingency scenarios.
Incirlik Air Base’s medical campus is a $79 million collective protection facility originally built in 1994. While collective protection capabilities existed at the time of construction, an automated system installed in 2011 significantly reduced the time required to secure the facility by synchronising heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, pressure controls, water and sewer operations.
"The automated system allows us to lock down the facility much faster without manually switching multiple systems," Smith said. "This upgrade ensures that capability remains fully functional for years to come."
In addition to supporting approximately 150 patients, the facility is designed to shelter roughly 200 medical personnel, allowing sustained operations during crisis or conflict.
"This upgrade fundamentally enhances our strategic value," Smith said. "It ensures our medics remain in the fight and preserves our ability to save lives when it matters most."
