Turkish Aerospace’s HÜRJET aircraft seems to be just steps away from a deal with the Spanish Air Force. At the ongoing FEINDEF 2025, HÜRJET stands as one of the two most prominent products showcased.
Spain’s Air Force (Ejército del Aire y del Espacio) is moving forward with plans to modernise its jet trainer fleet, with HÜRJET emerging as the frontrunner. The ageing Northrop SF-5M (AE.9) aircraft are set to be replaced, with other candidates including Boeing T-7, KAI T-50, and Leonardo M-346. However, after extensive evaluations, HÜRJET has taken the lead.
Turkiye and Spain signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 20, 2024, to buy 24 HÃRJET planes. Although the choice has not yet been formally revealed, FEINDEF shows all signs pointing to HÜRJET as the preferred platform.
Spanish aerospace firm Airtificial agreed with Turkish Aerospace to manufacture 31 flight control systems for HÜRJET as part of the project. These systems will be manufactured in Airtificial’s Seville location.
Symbolising the growing defence collaboration between Turkiye and Spain, Turkish and Spanish Air Forces leaders conducted a historic formation fly in February 2025 using two HÜRJET prototypes.
At FEINDEF, KAI and Boeing are notably absent. While Boeing’s T-7 partner, SAAB, is present with posters, Leonardo’s M-346 is absent from its promotional materials despite its large stand. Turkish Aerospace has a singular focus at the event, promoting only HÜRJET.
Airbus, expected to supply avionics for HÜRJET, is showcasing two prominently at Hall 4: the Eurofighter Halcon II as part of Spain’s modernisation programme and, right behind it, HÜRJET.
Additional antennas spotted on Hürjet indicate Spain will make modifications. This also means, also considering the overall scene in the exhibition, Spain is likely close to finalising a deal to acquire Hürjet to replace its SF-5M jets converted to advanced trainers.
It is no secret that TUSAŞ is working on combat capabilities for HÜRJET. The second prototype is the prime example of these plans with provision for radar in the enlarged nose and what appears to be wingtip pylons for air-to-air missiles.
ASELSAN is currently developing a derivative of the MURAD 100-A AESA radar (Which is undergoing tests onboard F-16 and Akıncı UCAV) for Hürjet.
Combat- capable configuration of HÜRJET's armament options include general-purpose bombs, air-to-air missiles, and air-to-surface missiles
Author: Özgür Ekşi
Editor: Kaan Azman
