Turkish jet trainer Hurjet heads to Spain

According to a report from Defence Turkey Magazine, the new generation jet trainer Hurjet, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is set to head to Spain as part of a project to replace the Spanish Air and Space Force’s aging SF-5M training aircraft.

Originally, a delegation from SASF, including pilots, was expected to visit TAI facilities in Ankara later in July or August to inspect Hurjet. However, the decision to send Hurjet directly to Spain came as a surprise.

Spain’s search for new jet trainer

Since 2023, SASF has been seeking a new generation jet trainer to replace their domestically produced SF-5M aircraft. The Spanish forces aim to incorporate these new trainers by 2028. Hurjet is among the four contenders, including the Boeing T-7, KAI T-50, and Leonardo M-346, to replace the aging SF-5M Freedom Fighter Jet Trainers (designated as AE.9). Should Hurjet be selected, it will serve in SASF’s 23rd Squadron at Talavera La Real Air Base, taking over the role of training pilots for EF-18M Hornet and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

Potential customers, deals

Among Hurjet’s potential customers, Azerbaijan, Spain and Canada are at the forefront. Negotiations between TAI and these countries are ongoing, with TAI aiming to sell 100 Hurjets to the Turkish Air Force and 300 to international customers by the mid-2030s.

According to sources that spoke to Defence Turkey Magazine, Spain is proposing to acquire 24 Hurjets through a barter deal involving the sale of six A400M aircraft to the Turkish Air Force. This proposal aligns with Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to expand its A400M fleet amidst budget constraints.

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. The 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.