Spain Becomes First European Nation to Acquire 24 Hurjet Advanced Trainer Aircraft from Turkey

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – After months of evaluation, Spain has chosen Turkey’s Hurjet advanced trainer aircraft to replace its aging SF-5M advanced trainer fleet.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two nations several days ago, enabling Spain to acquire 24 Hurjet Fighter Lead-In Trainer (FLIT) aircraft developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

The procurement of the 24 Hurjet aircraft will replace Spain’s current fleet of 19 SF-5M trainers, which are used by the Spanish Air Force to train fighter pilots.

This acquisition will make Spain the first European nation to procure the Turkish-made FLIT aircraft.

Reports of Spain’s interest in acquiring the Hurjet emerged following evaluations conducted at Torrejon Air Base in Madrid during July and August this year.

“Today, we are proud to witness another historic step in the defense industry,” said Haluk Gorgun, Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries.

“The Memorandum of Understanding that will form the basis of our cooperation with our long-standing NATO ally, Spain, in the Jet Trainer Aircraft Project, has been signed between the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) and the Spanish Ministry of Defense.”

Media reports also indicate that the acquisition of the Hurjet advanced trainers by Spain will be conducted through a barter agreement, under which Spain will receive 24 Hurjet aircraft while Turkey will obtain seven Airbus A400M transport planes.

According to Turkish media, the Spanish Air Force is expected to begin receiving the Turkish-made Hurjet advanced trainer/light fighter aircraft in 2028.

Turkey has long sought to expand its fleet of A400M transport aircraft.

Since last year, the Spanish Air Force has expressed interest in replacing its locally-built SF-5M advanced trainers.

Several companies were considered to provide replacements for the Spanish Air Force’s SF-5M, including Boeing’s T-7, Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) T-50, and Leonardo’s M-346.

The Hurjet advanced trainers procured by Spain will be stationed with the Spanish Air Force’s 23rd Squadron at Talavera La Real Air Base.

These aircraft will assume the training role previously carried out by the SF-5M, preparing pilots for frontline fighter aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

The Hurjet is a supersonic-capable trainer aircraft that began development in 2018.

On July 11, 2024, TAI (also known as TUSAS) announced that the Hurjet had successfully completed its 79th sortie, reaching a speed of Mach 0.9 at an altitude of 30,000 feet.

The Hurjet is expected to achieve Mach 1.4 at a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet, with a payload capacity of 6,000 pounds and an operational range of 1,200 nautical miles.

Turkey developed the Hurjet primarily to replace its T-38M and NF-5A/B 2000 trainer aircraft, which are scheduled for retirement by 2030.

Additionally, as a light fighter, the Hurjet will reduce the operational burden on Turkey’s F-16 fleet.

Turkey is also developing a naval variant of the Hurjet, intended 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 combat aircraft.

Previously, TAI had also offered the Hurjet to Malaysia to fulfill the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) Fighter Lead-In Trainer/Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT/LCA) requirements.

TAI proposed partial assembly of the Hurjet in Malaysia if the country proceeded with the acquisition.

TAI’s offer included 18 Hurjet aircraft, but Malaysia ultimately selected 18 FA-50 aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) instead. — DSA