Turkey’s first indigenous jet trainer aircraft, HÜRJET—one of the most strategic defence projects developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI / TUSAŞ)—has officially entered the European market through a €2.6 billion agreement signed with Spain. Recorded as one of the highest-value export contracts in the history of the defence industry, the agreement provides for the initial production of 30 HÜRJET aircraft for the Spanish Air and Space Force.
HÜRJET to Replace F-5s
With this agreement, the Spanish Air Force has decided to replace the F-5 trainer aircraft that have long been in its inventory with HÜRJET. Deliveries are planned to begin in 2028. After rolling off the TAI production line, the aircraft will be equipped in Spain with avionics and radio systems integrated by Airbus.
15 Spanish Companies to Take Part in the Project
The HÜRJET programme goes beyond a simple aircraft sale and also includes international industrial cooperation. Within this framework, 15 Spanish defence and aerospace companies—Aciturri, Aernnova, Aertec, Airtificial, Amper, Centum, Cesa, Clue, GMV, Grabysur, Indra, ITP, Grupo Oesía, Orbital and Sener—will take part in the project alongside TAI.
HÜRJET Painted in Spanish Colours
At TAI facilities, a grey-camouflaged HÜRJET prototype has been painted in the colours of the Spanish Air Force. The image was shared by the President of Defence Industries, Prof. Dr Haluk Görgün. The photograph also draws attention to a HÜRJET bearing the red-and-white Turkish flag on its wing while in flight.
Görgün: “A Historic Export Success”
Commenting on the agreement, the President of Defence Industries, Prof. Dr Haluk Görgün, emphasised that HÜRJET entering the inventory of a European and NATO member country is a clear indication of the technological level reached by Turkey’s defence industry.
Görgün included the following statements in his remarks:
“Turkey’s first indigenous jet trainer aircraft, HÜRJET, has been officially selected by the Spanish Air and Space Force with a 30-aircraft export package, marking a historic achievement for our defence industry. With a total budget of €2.6 billion, this programme is a high value-added export package that includes integrated pilot training, ground-based simulation systems, maintenance and sustainment infrastructure, and long-term operational support elements.”
Görgün also noted that, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has risen to the position of a global actor that produces and exports high technology in the defence industry.
