Lockheed Martin and KAI have proposed the TF-50 jet trainer to the RAF, while Türkiye–UK cooperation on Eurofighter offers a mutual training advantage.
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has worked closely with Lockheed Martin for a long time to make the T-50 advanced jet trainer. The US-based firm made a big stride ahead in that cooperation when it offered the TF-50 to the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a possible next-generation fast jet trainer for the UK. Another US-based firm deeply involved with the T-50 family is Northrop Grumman, which is set to provide the Phantom Strike GaN AESA radar for the FA-50 Block 20 upgrade.
Lockheed Martin’s move comes as Boeing’s T-7A Red Hawk programme continues to face delays, encouraging rivals to seize the opportunity. A scale model of the TF-50 appeared at DSEI UK 2025 in a striking Red Arrows livery — a nod to the RAF’s world-famous aerobatic team and a signal of its suitability both for advanced pilot training and as a potential Red Arrows replacement.
The TF-50, however, faces strong competition. British start-up Aeralis is pitching a modular, reconfigurable trainer concept that appeals to London’s drive to strengthen the domestic aerospace industry. Other candidates are Leonardo’s M-345 and M-346, the Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk, and Türkiye’s HÜRJET. At the same time, Türkiye and the UK are working together more closely on the Eurofighter Typhoon program.
Ankara sees tighter links with London as a strategic benefit since Turkish pilots might train on HÜRJET planes and then move right to Eurofighter or even F-35 operations. That would provide the RAF a group of pilots who are already familiar with HÜRJET, which would improve interoperability and give the Red Arrows and the rest of the RAF’s training pipeline more options.
Another aspect of HÜRJET to note is Spain -a significant Eurofighter operator- is set to become the first export user of HÜRJET. In addition to Turkish pilots to fly the Eurofighter, the experience of the Spanish pilots to train with HÜRJET and move on to Eurofighter is also noteworthy. Spain will also be involved in the production and localisation of HÜRJET for its needs, which presents an example to the UK in terms of flexible industrial cooperation.
Author: Kaan Azman & Özgür Ekşi
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
