With the export of Türkiye’s first jet-powered aircraft, HÜRJET, to Spain, its expansion into international markets has gained momentum, while TUSAŞ is conducting talks with multiple countries and potential partners for new collaborations. HÜRJET was featured on the cover of Spain’s prestigious aviation magazine Avion Revue.
HÜRJET on the cover of Avion Revue
One of Spain’s long-established aviation magazines, Avion Revue, featured HÜRJET on its cover. HÜRJET, whose contract has been signed, will replace the F-5 aircraft in the inventory of the Spanish Air Force. This step pointed to HÜRJET’s growing visibility within European defence and aviation circles.
TUSAŞ: An end-to-end aircraft manufacturer
TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu stated in his interview with the magazine that, with its 53 years of experience, the company has become one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, possessing end-to-end capabilities covering design, production, testing and certification.
Emphasising that TUSAŞ’s accumulated technical know-how and disciplined production culture guarantee the long-term sustainability of its projects, Demiroğlu used the following statements:
“Today, TUSAŞ reflects its engineering vision in the field with the KAAN fighter aircraft, HÜRJET trainer aircraft, HÜRKUŞ mission aircraft, GÖKBEY general-purpose helicopter, T129 ATAK helicopter, and the ANKA, AKSUNGUR and ANKA III unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition, we are a strategic production partner of global giants such as Boeing and Airbus.”
“One of the most capable platforms in its class”
Answering the question “Why did Spain choose HÜRJET?”, Demiroğlu stated that HÜRJET was designed from the very beginning with a next-generation architecture compatible with 5th and 6th generation operational concepts.
Demiroğlu said, “Incorporating sensor fusion, network-centric warfare capabilities and human–machine teaming principles, HÜRJET goes beyond a conventional trainer aircraft. With its supersonic design, open system architecture, low operating costs and modern digital cockpit, it stands out as one of the most capable platforms in its class.”
Stating that 33 months have passed since the first flight of the HÜRJET programme, Demiroğlu noted that during this period the prototypes have completed more than 360 sorties, exceeding 280 flight hours.
NATO compatibility and long-term cooperation
Demiroğlu underlined that Spain’s choice was not only a response to an existing need, but a strategic decision aimed at the future transformation of air power. It was stated that HÜRJET facilitates pilots’ transition to next-generation fighter aircraft and offers a training infrastructure fully compliant with NATO standards.
It was noted that HÜRJET, which is planned to enter the inventory of the Turkish Air Force in 2027, will subsequently support Spain’s transition to a new training architecture and strengthen defence industry cooperation between the two countries.
Contacts with new countries continue
Regarding the international impact of Spain’s decision, Mehmet Demiroğlu pointed to the dynamic structure of the global aviation market and said that talks are continuing with multiple countries and potential partners.
Demiroğlu stated, “Spain’s decision will serve as a strong reference that will pave the way for new international collaborations. HÜRJET’s journey is only just beginning; this is a long, stable and global journey.”
