Turkish aircraft Hurkus to soar over Azerbaijan by late 2024

The Hurkus aircraft, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI/TUSAS), is expected to take its first flight in Azerbaijan by the end of next year, according to TUSAS Chief Executive Officer Mehmet Demiroglu.

Azerbaijan Air Force prepares to receive Hurkus aircraft

Speaking at the Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2024) in Baku, Demiroglu confirmed that most of the necessary approvals for the project have been completed – with only a few remaining steps before the aircraft is ready for delivery.

“Azerbaijan’s Air Force is very interested in our Hurkus project. We have completed most of the permissions required for the project, and after a few more steps, we will see the first flight over Azerbaijan’s skies by the end of next year,” Demiroglu said.

Strengthening bilateral aviation projects

Demiroglu also highlighted the close collaboration between Türkiye and Azerbaijan in aviation and defense.

He pointed out that TUSAS has been working on modernizing Azerbaijan’s Su-25 aircraft, with the first phase of the project already completed.

“We successfully completed the first phase of modernizing the Su-25 aircraft, and the second phase is ongoing. The modernization project will be completed soon,” he said.

‘Two states, one nation’ approach

Underlining the close bond between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, Demiroglu reiterated the commitment to mutual cooperation in defense and aerospace sectors.

“We are guided by the principle of ‘two states, one nation.’ What we have is also Azerbaijan’s, and we will continue to do everything in our power to work together,” he said.

Demiroglu expressed his satisfaction with TUSAS’ participation in the ADEX 2024 event, noting that promising developments lie ahead for both TUSAS and Azerbaijan.