HÜRJET, the jet trainer aircraft developed entirely with Turkish engineering capabilities by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), has become one of Spain’s highest-priority defence procurement projects. While claims regarding the platform continue to emerge in the Greek press, TUSAŞ Chairman of the Board and General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu stated in an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Español that “no unresolved issues remain” in the negotiations between the two countries and that the contract could be signed within a few weeks.
Spain launches €3.12 billion modernisation programme
On 28 October, the Spanish Council of Ministers approved a budget of approximately €3.12 billion for the procurement of 45 new jet trainer aircraft under the Integrated Training System – Combat (ITS-C), which will replace the ageing SF-5M fleet of the Air and Space Force. The announcement emphasised that HÜRJET would have a “critical role” in training pilots who will serve on Spain’s modern combat and strike aircraft.
According to the plan:
- Deliveries will begin in 2028,
- The first aircraft will enter service in the 2029/2030 training year,
- The HÜRJET fleet will remain in the Spanish inventory for at least 30 years,
The aircraft will be stationed at Talavera la Real Air Base in Badajoz.
Strong cooperation between TUSAŞ and Spanish industry
As part of the modernisation process accelerated by the retirement of the SF-5M fleet, TUSAŞ signed memoranda of understanding in May with more than 10 Spanish companies for technical cooperation and joint development. The Spanish industrial element of the programme is coordinated by Airbus Defence and Space (ADS).
Describing the framework agreements signed with Airbus as “the first step of industrial cooperation”, Demiroğlu commented:
“Both Türkiye and Spain have built a strong foundation. Industrial stakeholders, the roadmap and the workshare have been clarified. We are closer than ever to taking the first step.”
Significant progress in HÜRJET flight tests
Emphasising that HÜRJET has been developed entirely by Turkish engineers and technicians, Demiroğlu also shared up-to-date information about the flight tests:
- 330 test flights have been completed with 2 prototypes,
- A total of 228 flight hours have been accumulated,
Both the Turkish and Spanish Air Force Commanders personally flying HÜRJET has enhanced confidence in the platform.
TUSAŞ’s delivery schedule for the Turkish Air Force is also expanding:
- Current official order: 16 aircraft
- 4 Block 0 prototypes
- 12 Block 1 serial production aircraft
- Negotiations continue for an additional 12 aircraft,
- First deliveries to the Turkish Air Force are targeted for 2026,
- Long-term plan: 100 HÜRJET aircraft to be inducted into the inventory,
The Turkish Navy is also evaluating an independent package of 24 aircraft.
Final stage for Spain’s 45-aircraft package
Demiroğlu stated that the details of the variant, configuration, and mission profile for Spain will be disclosed upon the signing of the contract:
“TUSAŞ has the capacity to adapt HÜRJET to new mission requirements. The platform will deliver high performance and top-tier capability in every country in which it serves.”
The delivery schedule will be officially announced once the contract enters into force.
