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Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has displayed a full-scale mock-up of its Hurjet jet trainer and light attack aircraft in Spanish Air Force colors at the FEINDEF’25, Spain’s International Defense and Security Exhibition, signaling a significant step toward a potential procurement deal between the two nations.

Spain evaluates Hurjet as SF-5M replacement

The Spanish Air Force is seeking to replace its aging fleet of 19 Northrop SF-5M (AE.9) jet trainers with a modern platform.

While Boeing T-7, KAI T-50, and Leonardo M-346 remain contenders, Hurjet has emerged as the frontrunner following evaluations conducted between July and August 2024 at Torrejon air base near Madrid.

“Spain evaluated the Hurjet prototype between July and August 2024 at Torrejon air base, near Madrid, and has now provisionally selected the aircraft as the new trainer, which will replace the Spanish Air Force’s aging fleet of 19 SF-5M jet trainers,” according to reports from the exhibition.

Memorandum of Understanding signals intent

Türkiye and Spain signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 20, 2024, covering the procurement of 24 Hurjet aircraft. According to InfoDefensaSpain might acquire 28-30 new aircraft with a budget of approximately €275 million ($305.5 million).

The program is expected to launch this year, with potential new developments to be announced during FEINDEF’25, where TAI President and CEO Mehmet Demiroglu is in attendance.

Spanish aerospace firm Airtificial has already agreed with Turkish Aerospace to manufacture 31 flight control systems for Hurjet as part of the project. In April 2024, the companies signed a €4.8 million ($5.3M) contract for the development of flight control sticks, which will be produced at Airtificial’s facilities in Seville.

Hurjet’s technical capabilities

The Hurjet is a twin-seat, single-engine supersonic “new-generation” jet trainer that first flew on April 25, 2023. Developed to replace the T-38M and NF-5A/B 2000 aircraft in the Turkish Air Force by the 2030s, it can also serve as a light attack platform.

In July 2024, TAI announced that Hurjet successfully completed its 79th sortie, reaching a speed of Mach 0.9 at 30,000 feet. The aircraft is expected to achieve a maximum speed of Mach 1.4 at an altitude of 45,000 feet, with a payload capacity of 6,000 pounds and a range of 1,200 nautical miles.

TAI is actively developing combat capabilities for the Hurjet.

The second prototype features provisions for a radar in its enlarged nose and apparent wingtip pylons for air-to-air missiles. ASELSAN is developing a derivative of the MURAD 100-A AESA radar for installation on the platform.

While Hurjet remains in its developmental phase, TAI plans to begin production in 2025, with first deliveries scheduled for 2026. Spain reportedly aims to introduce its new jet trainers by 2028. Upon delivery, the aircraft is expected to serve with Ala 23 at Talavera La Real Air Base, which currently operates the SF-5M.

The model displayed at FEINDEF features the codes “231-01” painted below the cockpit, likely referencing Ala 23’s 231st Squadron, the unit of flight instructors.

May 13, 2025 12:48 PM GMT+03:00