(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Spanish Air Force is reportedly set to acquire the Fighter Lead-In Trainer/Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT/LCA) “Hurjet” developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), to replace its current SF-5M advanced trainer aircraft.
If this report is accurate, Spain will become the first European country to procure Turkish-made FLIT/LCA aircraft.
The acquisition of the “Hurjet” by Spain is expected to be a barter deal, where Spain will receive 24 “Hurjet” aircraft, while Turkey will receive seven Airbus A400M transport aircraft in return.
According to Turkish media reports, the Spanish Air Force is expected to begin receiving the Turkish-built “Hurjet” FLIT/LCA aircraft in 2028.
Turkey is keen on adding more A400M transport aircraft to its air force fleet.
In addition to Spain, Turkey is actively negotiating with several other countries interested in acquiring the “Hurjet,” including Azerbaijan and Canada.
Since last year, the Spanish Air Force has expressed its intention to replace the locally manufactured SF-5M advanced trainer aircraft.
Several companies have shown interest in providing a replacement, including Boeing with its T-7, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with the T-50, and Leonardo with the M-346.
If the reports about the Spanish Air Force selecting the “Hurjet” are true, the aircraft will be stationed at the 23rd Squadron of the Spanish Air Force at Talavera La Real Air Base.
The “Hurjet” will take over the role of training fighter pilots for the Eurofighter Typhoon and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, previously performed by the SF-5M.
The “Hurjet” is a supersonic-capable aircraft, initially developed in 2018.
Turkey’s primary goal in developing the “Hurjet” is to replace the T-38M and NF-5A/B 2000 trainer aircraft currently in service with the Turkish Air Force by 2030.
Additionally, as a light combat aircraft, the “Hurjet” will help reduce the operational burden on Turkey’s F-16 fighters.
Turkey is also developing a naval variant of the “Hurjet” to operate from the TCG Anadolu, the world’s first drone carrier.
From the TCG Anadolu, the “Hurjet” will operate alongside Bayraktar TB3 drones and the “Kizilelma” unmanned fighter aircraft.
Previously, TAI had also offered the “Hurjet” to Malaysia to meet the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) requirements for Fighter Lead-In Trainer/Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT/LCA).
TAI even proposed partial assembly of the “Hurjet” in Malaysia if the country decided to acquire it.
TAI offered 18 “Hurjet” aircraft to Malaysia, but the offer was declined in favor of 18 FA-50 aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). – DSA