Turkish Aerospace, TUSAS Engine Industries & GE Aerospace sign MOU on Hurjet

GE Aerospace has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Turkish Aerospace and TUSAS Engine Industries Inc. (TEI) to evaluate and collaborate on integrating GE Aerospace’s F404 engines into new variants of the Hurjet aircraft.

This agreement builds on the companies’ existing collaboration on the Hurjet program, the first Turkish-manufactured advanced training jet.

Strengthening Türkiye’s aviation industry

The Hurjet program reflects Türkiye’s growth as a technology and engineering hub in the global defense aviation industry. The collaboration among GE Aerospace, Turkish Aerospace, and TEI supports Türkiye’s advanced-technology industrial base.

The existing partnership has already seen the F404 engine successfully incorporated into the Turkish Air Force’s Hurjet training jet, which is currently undergoing qualification.

“This aircraft fulfills a critical role in modern pilot training by delivering excellent performance in a single-engine, tandem-seat configuration, alongside modern avionics and high-performance features. We believe this MOU will bring success to all parties,” said Dr. Mehmet Demiroglu, President and CEO of Turkish Aerospace.

TEI’s role in the new agreement

Under the new MOU, TEI, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Turkish Aerospace, will handle the assembly, inspection, and testing of the F404 engines in Türkiye. TEI will also provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for these engines for both Hurjet aircraft and export customers.

“For the past 40 years, TEI has been a major manufacturing supplier for military and commercial engines for international OEMs, as well as an exceptional authorized service provider for various military engines worldwide,” said Prof. Mahmut F. Aksit, General Manager of TEI. “Today’s agreement reflects this heritage and extends our work on one of the nation’s most important aircraft programs.”

Commitment to long-term collaboration

The MOU allows GE Aerospace, Turkish Aerospace, and TEI to explore applications of other GE Aerospace engine and system products for new Hurjet variants and other potential customers. This collaboration is expected to solidify Türkiye’s position in the global aviation market.

“Through this MOU, GE Aerospace is proud to deepen our nearly six-decade commitment to Türkiye’s economic development and participate in a program that builds on the strengths of each party to create a program with global prospects,” said Amy Gowder, President & CEO, Defense & System at GE Aerospace.

Sixteen nations operate or have ordered F404-powered aircraft, highlighting the engine’s versatility and reliability for Air Force applications worldwide. GE Aerospace’s long-term presence in Türkiye, with over 440 employees and multiple facilities, underscores its commitment to the country’s aerospace sector. The Türkiye Technology Center contributes to GE Aerospace’s engineering work on indigenous and new engine programs, software development, and additive manufacturing.