Türkiye explores Hurjet partnership with Airbus Spain for Spanish Air Force training program
The second prototype of Hurjet, Türkiye's first national jet trainer aircraft developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), has successfully completed its first flight on November 13, 2024. (TAI - AA Photo)
Türkiye is intensifying defense industry cooperation with Spain, focusing on a potential partnership with Airbus Spain involving the Hurjet, an advanced jet trainer developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
The aircraft is being considered as a leading candidate in Spain’s effort to replace its aging F-5 fleet.
Over the past few weeks, Turkish delegations have reportedly visited Airbus facilities in Spain to explore collaboration opportunities.
In mid-March, the Turkish ambassador to Spain, Nuket Kucukel Ezberci, led a delegation that met with Francisco J. Segura, head of Airbus Spain, to discuss defense industry cooperation.
Senior military engagement reinforces strategic intent
Last week, Türkiye’s Chief of the General Staff, Gen. Metin Gurak, visited Airbus facilities during his official trip to Spain.
He also held meetings with the Spanish Chief of the Defence Staff, Adm. Gen. Teodoro Lopez Calderon, and visited NATO’s Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) in Torrejon, which oversees airspace from the Azores to Türkiye.
These high-level meetings followed late February discussions between the Spanish government and Airbus at the highest level, during which Spain formally expressed interest in involving Airbus in the development of a new advanced jet trainer to succeed the F-5.
Bilateral memorandum sets framework for joint training system
In December 2024, Türkiye and Spain signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation on the Hurjet Trainer Aircraft project and also for the development of an advanced pilot training system for the Spanish Air and Space Force.
In February, Spanish Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Francisco Braco Carbo traveled to Türkiye and piloted the Hurjet himself, demonstrating direct operational interest in the platform.
With two flying prototypes already in operation, the Hurjet stands in the final stages of development.
It was designed by TAI as a lightweight attack and advanced jet trainer aircraft. The platform aligns with Spain’s long-term modernization goals and is currently viewed as a strong candidate for the role, pending official confirmation.
Spain to replace F-5 fleet with Hurjet
According to defense analysts, Spain plans to replace its aging fleet of F-5 aircraft with 24 Hurjets. Hurjet, developed by TAI, is designed to modernize the training fleet of the Turkish Air Force and has garnered interest from other nations, including Azerbaijan and Canada.
Reports also suggest that Spain has offered to sell six A400M transport aircraft to the Turkish Air Force in exchange for the purchase of 24 Hurjets.
The potential deal has generated significant interest in defense circles.
Hurjet has also positioned itself as a competitor to other advanced jet trainers in a short time, including the Boeing T-7, KAI T-50, and Leonardo M-346.
Hurjet’s specifications and production timeline
Hurjet is a single-engine advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft, part of Türkiye’s effort to replace the aging T-38M and NF-5A/B 2000 aircraft in its air force.
- Initial orders: The Turkish Air Force has ordered four aircraft, with options for 12 more.
- Delivery schedule: Four Hurjets are expected by 2025, with 12 Block 1 variants by 2028.
- Expansion plans: The Turkish Stars aerobatic team will also receive 12 Hurjets.
TAI has secured an agreement with GE Aerospace for 100 F404-GE-102 Turbofan engines to power the Hurjet. The company aims to deliver 100 aircraft to Türkiye and 300 to international customers by the 2030s.
Hurjet development and production
Hurjet, a twin-seat, single-engine supersonic new-generation jet trainer and light attack aircraft, began development on July 2, 2018, under an agreement between TAI, the Turkish Defense Industries Presidency and the Turkish Air Force.
Initial studies for the “Jet Trainer Aircraft & Light Attack Aircraft Project” commenced in July 2017, with the project officially starting on Aug. 14, 2017.
The goal of the Hurjet project is to develop a supersonic domestic jet trainer to replace the T-38M and NF-5A/B 2000 aircraft in the Turkish Air Force inventory by the 2030s.
Additionally, Hurjet aims to alleviate the load on the F-16C/D aircraft by taking on close air support roles.
TAI also plans to develop a naval version of Hurjet for aircraft carrier operations.
Türkiye-Spain defense cooperation expands beyond aerospace
These recent engagements highlight the growing strategic ties between Türkiye and Spain in the defense sector.
In January 2025, Spanish Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Amador Ensenat y Berea, conducted a weeklong official visit to Türkiye, inspecting multiple Turkish defense companies.
Additionally, Spain’s defense firm Indra recently established a partnership with Türkiye’s Otokar to explore cooperation in military vehicle development. This industrial initiative reflects both countries’ interest in deepening multi-layered, long-term collaborations in defense production.
