Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has formalized a significant export agreement with Airbus to supply Spain with its indigenous trainer aircraft, the Hürjet. The partnership, announced at a defense expo in Istanbul, outlines the collaborative roles of each company to help Spain expand its trainer jet fleet. Spain’s intention to adopt the Hürjet was first disclosed in 2024, involving an order of up to 30 aircraft, related systems, and partial assembly within Spain. The final contract is anticipated to be signed by the end of this year, with initial deliveries expected by 2028.
The Hürjet will gradually replace Spain’s aging Northrop SF-5M trainer jets, which have been in service since the 1960s. Designed as a light, supersonic trainer, the aircraft originally aimed to succeed Turkey’s Northrop T-38 Talon trainers and to provide close air support for F-16 Fighting Falcons. It features a length of 14 meters (46 feet) and a wingspan of 10 meters (33 feet), offering a substantial payload capacity of 3,402 kilograms (7,500 pounds).
Powered by a GE F404 afterburning turbofan engine, the Hürjet can reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.4 (approximately 1,729 km/h or 1,074 mph). It boasts a range of 1,060 nautical miles (1,963 kilometers or 1,219 miles) and can fly at altitudes up to 13,716 meters (45,000 feet), making it a versatile and modern addition to Spain’s aeronautical training capabilities.
