The Spanish government’s approval of the purchase of 45 HÜRJET trainer and light attack aircraft from Turkey has reshaped Europe’s defence balance. This major deal, worth €3.12 billion, highlights Turkey’s rise in the global defence industry, while triggering notable reactions in the Greek media.
Turkey’s National Jet Power: HÜRJET
Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), HÜRJET has become a symbol of a new era in defence technologies as Turkey’s first indigenous jet trainer and light attack aircraft. Spain’s decision to include this platform in its inventory is seen as a concrete indicator of confidence in Turkey’s engineering capabilities and production capacity.
Greek Media Express Concern
Greek media outlets have expressed growing unease following the agreement. The newspaper Kathimerini described it as “a historic turning point for the Turkish aviation sector,” while Banking News headlined the development as “Turkey is arming up.” Analyses emphasised Turkey’s rapidly increasing influence in the European defence market.
The Strategic Dimension of the Deal
The HÜRJET agreement covers not only the delivery of aircraft but also simulators, training infrastructure, and technical support packages. This comprehensive framework will accelerate Turkey’s transition to NATO-standard pilot training and enhance operational readiness levels. SL Press characterised the deal as “the clearest evidence of Spain’s confidence in the Turkish defence industry.”
A New Era in Turkey–Spain Defence Cooperation
Europost described Spain’s HÜRJET purchase as “the largest aviation investment in recent years,” while the newspaper Ethnos viewed the development as a strategic leap in Turkey’s defence relations with Europe. Turkey’s recent Eurofighter Typhoon agreement with the United Kingdom is also seen as a complementary step in this process.
Regional Balance Reshaped
Turkey’s achievements in the defence industry and its international partnerships are establishing a new balance in Europe, while it remains to be seen what strategy Athens will adopt in response to these developments.
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