HÜRJET, the first manned jet-powered aircraft developed by Türkiye’s defence industry, is preparing to cross a significant international milestone. Critical progress has been made in negotiations for HÜRJET to replace the American-made F-5 jets, which the Spanish Air Force is preparing to retire from service.
Intensive Diplomatic Engagement with Airbus
According to Infodefensa, one of Spain’s leading defence news sources, negotiations regarding HÜRJET have gained momentum. Turkish officials are collaborating with Airbus to address the Spanish Air Force’s need for an advanced training aircraft. In March, Airbus Spain President Francisco J. Segura hosted a delegation led by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Madrid, Nüket Küçükel Ezberci.
Last week, Chief of the Turkish General Staff, General Metin Gürak, personally inspected Airbus facilities during his visit to Spain.
As the F-5s Retire, HÜRJET Takes the Stage
Spain plans to integrate a modern system to replace its ageing F-5 training aircraft. In this context, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Türkiye and Spain in December 2024 regarding the development of pilot training systems.
Interest in HÜRJET’s performance has grown, particularly following the February visit of General Francisco Braco Carbo, Commander of the Spanish Air and Space Force, during which he tested the jet. HÜRJET is now considered a primary candidate in the new system to be developed with Airbus.
Major Investment in HÜRJET Production in Kayseri: TOMTAŞ Steps In
TOMTAŞ, Türkiye’s first aircraft factory, is set to play a central role in HÜRJET production with a super-incentivised investment worth 9.5 billion Turkish lira. The production facility to be established in Kayseri will initially manufacture 12 jets per year. Depending on demand, this capacity is planned to be increased to 24 and then 48 aircraft annually.
TOMTAŞ General Manager Ali Ekşi stated that the factory would become operational in the second half of 2025 and that the TOMTAŞ Aviation Campus next to Kayseri Airport would open in 2027. “Our assembly line will be commissioned as of October 2025. We aim to complete the Block-I contract by February 2027,” said Ekşi.
The investment is expected to create 1,000 direct jobs and foster a large technological ecosystem for regional subcontractors.
TUSAŞ Breaks Export Records: HÜRJET Attracts Strong Interest
HÜRJET’s manufacturer, TUSAŞ, achieved $864 million in defence exports as of 2023 — a 56% increase compared to the previous year. Expanding its presence in international markets with platforms such as HÜRKUŞ, ATAK, ANKA and AKSUNGUR, TUSAŞ is now stepping onto the European stage with HÜRJET.
HÜRJET: The New Pride of Turkish Aviation
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Type: Jet-powered, manned, advanced trainer and light attack aircraft
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Developer: TUSAŞ
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Production Capacity: Planned production of 48 units per year
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Export Targets: Europe and Gulf countries
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Initial Operators: Turkish Air Force, Spanish Air Force (planned)
