Turkish Aerospace and Airbus Expand HÜRJET Export to Spain

Strategic Cooperation Between Turkish Aerospace and Airbus Expands Further: Focus on HÜRJET Export to Spain

The defense landscape in Europe is undergoing a transformation, marked by a strategic collaboration between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) and Airbus. The recent agreement to export Türkiye’s HÜRJET advanced jet trainer to Spain highlights not only the growing capabilities of Türkiye’s aerospace sector but also a shift in European defense procurement strategies. This development comes at a time when NATO allies are seeking cost-effective, technologically advanced solutions to modernize their air forces.

The partnership, formalized during the IDEF 2025 defense fair in Istanbul, is a milestone for both parties. For TUSAŞ, it marks a significant export achievement and validates years of research and development in indigenous defense technologies. For Airbus, it represents a diversification of its portfolio and a deeper integration into the European defense training systems market.

In this article, we explore the historical context of the TUSAŞ-Airbus partnership, the technical attributes of the HÜRJET, the structure of the new agreement, and the broader strategic implications for the defense industry in Europe and beyond.

Historical Context of TUSAŞ-Airbus Collaboration

Collaboration between TUSAŞ and Airbus dates back several years, rooted in both civilian and military aerospace initiatives. TUSAŞ has long been a supplier for Airbus commercial aircraft programs, contributing structural components such as rudder parts for the A320 and assemblies for the A350F freighter. These contributions have established TUSAŞ as a reliable partner within the European aerospace supply chain.

Beyond manufacturing, the partnership has extended into educational and training domains. A notable example is the Aviation Vocational School in Kahramanmaraş, co-developed by Airbus and TUSAŞ. This initiative aims to cultivate a skilled workforce tailored to the evolving needs of the aerospace industry, thereby reinforcing long-term collaboration.

In May 2025, the relationship took a more strategic turn with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the FEINDEF defense exhibition in Madrid. This agreement involved Airbus, TUSAŞ, and a consortium of 15 Spanish defense companies under the “Team Spain” initiative. The MoU laid the groundwork for integrating the HÜRJET into Spain’s defense training infrastructure and set the stage for the formal export agreement signed two months later.

Educational and Industrial Synergies

The collaboration has also emphasized mutual development through education and industrial training. Programs like the aviation school in Türkiye aim to standardize aerospace education and align skill sets across both countries. This alignment is critical for seamless integration during joint production and maintenance phases of platforms like the HÜRJET.

Such initiatives not only ensure a pipeline of skilled labor but also foster cultural and technical exchange, which is essential for long-term industrial cooperation. Airbus and TUSAŞ have both expressed commitment to expanding these programs as the HÜRJET project progresses.

This educational collaboration complements the technical partnership, creating a holistic ecosystem that supports both current and future projects between the two companies.

“This agreement will further deepen defense industry cooperation between our nations and open new pathways for Turkish engineering in Europe’s future aviation projects.”, Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of TUSAŞ

The HÜRJET Program and Spain’s Jet Trainer Requirement

The HÜRJET is Türkiye’s first indigenously developed supersonic jet trainer, designed to replace aging trainer fleets and prepare pilots for fifth-generation fighter platforms. It features a single-engine, twin-seat configuration and is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 1.4. The aircraft includes advanced avionics, a human-machine interface, and an embedded training system that integrates seamlessly with ground-based simulators.

Spain’s current trainer fleet, based on the Northrop F-5M, has been in service since the early 1970s. The need for a modern replacement has become increasingly urgent due to maintenance challenges and technological obsolescence. The HÜRJET, with its modern architecture and training capabilities, emerged as a suitable candidate under Spain’s Integrated Training System (ITS-C) program.

As of mid-2025, the HÜRJET had completed over 210 test flights, including supersonic trials. These milestones have demonstrated its readiness for operational deployment and bolstered its credibility in international markets.

Technical Capabilities and Training Architecture

One of the HÜRJET’s key strengths lies in its integrated training ecosystem. The aircraft is part of the Training 360 System, which includes simulators, mission planning tools, and debriefing systems. This reduces the need for live flight hours and enhances pilot readiness through high-fidelity simulations.

Its avionics suite supports mission-specific configurations, allowing it to serve not only as a trainer but also in light combat roles. This dual-use capability increases its value proposition for air forces seeking versatile platforms.

Furthermore, the aircraft’s design prioritizes cost efficiency. Its single-engine layout results in lower fuel consumption and maintenance costs compared to twin-engine alternatives, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious defense ministries.

The 2025 Agreement: Structure and Implementation

Signed during the IDEF 2025 defense exhibition in Istanbul, the agreement between TUSAŞ and Airbus outlines a phased approach to delivering up to 30 HÜRJET aircraft to Spain. The final contract is expected to be signed by the end of 2025, with initial deliveries scheduled for 2028.

The deal includes a clear division of responsibilities: TUSAŞ will manufacture the base aircraft, while Airbus will oversee the integration of Spanish-specific systems and ensure compliance with European certification standards. Spanish defense companies are also expected to participate in subsystem production, fulfilling national industrial participation requirements.

The agreement is structured in two phases. The first involves the delivery of 15–20 aircraft in their base configuration to meet Spain’s immediate needs. The second phase will focus on localized production and integration of Spanish-manufactured avionics and control systems.

Industrial Participation and Technology Transfer

One of the core components of the agreement is the inclusion of Spanish industry in the production process. This not only satisfies political and economic requirements but also lays the groundwork for future co-development projects.

Airbus will act as the prime integrator, ensuring that Spanish-specific modifications do not disrupt the overall development timeline. This requires careful program management, particularly as TUSAŞ is also engaged in other major projects like the KAAN fifth-generation fighter.

The agreement also includes provisions for joint training programs and maintenance support, further solidifying the long-term nature of the partnership.

“We must be careful not to overburden the core development team during this process.”, Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power, Airbus

Conclusion and Future Prospects

The expanded cooperation between TUSAŞ and Airbus marks a significant milestone in both companies’ strategic trajectories. For Türkiye, it validates its aerospace capabilities on the European stage. For Airbus and Spain, it offers a cost-effective, modern solution to an urgent operational requirement while fostering industrial growth.

Looking forward, the success of the HÜRJET program could serve as a template for future collaborations, including potential exports to other NATO members. The partnership also opens doors for joint R&D in next-generation platforms, including unmanned systems and space technologies. As defense needs evolve, such strategic alliances will become increasingly vital in maintaining technological edge and operational readiness.

FAQ

What is the HÜRJET?
The HÜRJET is a supersonic advanced jet trainer developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, designed to train pilots for fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

Why did Spain choose the HÜRJET?
Spain selected the HÜRJET to replace its aging F-5M trainers due to its modern capabilities, cost efficiency, and the industrial partnership offered through Airbus.

When will the HÜRJET be delivered to Spain?
The first deliveries are expected in 2028, following a final contract signing anticipated by the end of 2025.

Sources

• TUSAŞ Newsroom
• Airbus Newsroom
• Defense Here
• Defence Turkey
• Anadolu Agency