TOMTAŞ Aviation and Technology Inc., Turkey’s first aircraft factory, is re-established and aims to contribute to the production of the HÜRJET jet trainer and light attack aircraft with its new investment facility in Kayseri. This investment will be implemented with state support under the Decision on Project-Based State Aid for Investments (super incentive).
A 9.5 Billion Lira Investment and Employment for Thousands
The aircraft parts production facility to be established by TOMTAŞ in Kayseri, focusing on training and light attack aircraft as well as ready-to-assemble aircraft components, will benefit from significant state support under the super incentive scheme. The investment will be realized with a fixed capital of approximately 9.5 billion liras. It is expected to directly employ around 1,000 people, including 150 highly skilled workers. Additionally, a high-tech subcontracting ecosystem will create employment opportunities for thousands more.
The facility’s production capacity will allow for the manufacturing of 12 training and light attack aircraft per year, along with 2,016 tons of aircraft parts and 84 main component-level aircraft parts. With increasing global demand for HÜRJET, the annual production capacity is planned to be increased to 24 and later to 48 aircraft.
Extensive Support Package and Investment Opportunities
The incentives for TOMTAŞ’s investment include customs duty exemption, VAT exemption, tax reduction, employer insurance premium support, qualified personnel support, and land allocation. These incentives will play a crucial role in achieving the targeted production capacity.
Contribution to the HÜRJET Project and Collaboration with TUSAŞ
TOMTAŞ General Manager and Board Member Ali Ekşi stated that they have been working intensively for two years to contribute to Turkey’s defense and aviation projects and to expand exports in this field. He emphasized their goal of making Kayseri a hub for aviation.
“We are proud to be part of the HÜRJET project. With the agreement we signed with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) in October 2024, we will provide component-level assembly services for 12 aircraft,” Ekşi said. He also expressed their great honor in being a key part of HÜRJET with the trust of TUSAŞ.
Assembly Facility Opening on the 100th Anniversary
TOMTAŞ was originally established on August 15, 1925, and is now preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary. In this significant milestone, the company has invited the President to inaugurate the HÜRJET Assembly Facility. Ekşi highlighted their ambition to make Kayseri a center for aviation and contribute to the aerospace industry with this facility.
TOMTAŞ’s Future: Supplying Parts to Global Aviation Companies
Under the HÜRJET Block-I Project, TOMTAŞ will provide assembly services for 12 aircraft and 60 component-level units. Aircraft parts, including the forward fuselage, mid-fuselage, rear fuselage, wing boxes, and tail assemblies, will be manufactured starting in October 2024. The Block-I contract is expected to be completed by February 2027.
As the sole facility conducting component-level assembly activities for HÜRJET, TOMTAŞ aims to leverage its expertise to offer part production, assembly, maintenance, and repair services to global aviation companies in the future.
Investment Amount and Economic Contribution
TOMTAŞ’s fixed investment is projected to reach 9.5 billion liras over six years, with expectations that the actual investment will surpass this amount. This initiative will not only support the defense industry but also significantly contribute to Turkey’s overall economic growth. The company’s involvement in this major project will further solidify Turkey’s position in the aerospace sector.
Future Investments and Projects
In 2023, TOMTAŞ established a Machining Manufacturing Factory in the Kayseri Mimarsinan Organized Industrial Zone. Additionally, an R&D and Engineering Office in Kayseri and an Engineering and Design Office in Ankara have been launched. By 2027, the TOMTAŞ Aviation Campus near Kayseri Airport will be operational, and the company will continue expanding its investments in the aviation sector.
