Spain Selects Turkish Hürjet in Historic €2.6 Billion Deal

In a landmark development for the European defense sector, Spain has officially signed an agreement to acquire 30 Hürjet advanced jet trainers from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). According to reporting by Turkish Minute, the deal is valued at approximately €2.6 billion ($3 billion) and represents a significant milestone as Turkey’s first major export of a manned Military-Aircraft to a NATO and European Union member nation.

The agreement, finalized on December 30, 2025, is designed to modernize the Spanish Air and Space Force’s pilot training capabilities. As noted in the reporting, the Hürjet fleet will replace Spain’s aging Northrop F-5M Freedom Fighters, which are approaching the end of their operational service life. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2028 and continue through 2036, ensuring a seamless transition for Spanish pilot instruction.

Deal Structure and Industrial Partnership

The contract encompasses more than just the airframes. According to details surrounding the agreement, the €2.6 billion valuation includes full mission simulators, ground-based Training systems, and long-term maintenance and operational support. A critical component of the acquisition is the integration of the Spanish aerospace industry.

Airbus Defence and Space will serve as the program coordinator within Spain. This collaboration aims to ensure the “Spanishization” of the aircraft, integrating local avionics, communications, and software systems. Approximately 15 Spanish companies, including Indra and GMV, are expected to participate, securing technological sovereignty and economic returns for Spain.

Technical Specifications

The Hürjet is a single-engine, tandem-seat supersonic trainer designed to prepare pilots for fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Key specifications cited in technical reports include:

• Maximum Speed: Mach 1.4
• Engine: General Electric F404-GE-102
• Service Ceiling: 45,000 feet
• Payload Capacity: Approximately 3,000 kg (6,600 lbs)

The aircraft features a digital glass cockpit compatible with modern Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD), making it suitable for both advanced training and light combat roles.

Strategic Implications and Official Reactions

This procurement marks a shift in traditional European defense spending, where NATO members have historically favored US or legacy European platforms. The selection of the Hürjet over competitors such as the Italian M-346 or the Boeing/Saab T-7A Red Hawk highlights the growing competitiveness of Turkey’s defense sector.

Haluk Görgün, Head of the Turkish Defense Industries Agency, emphasized the magnitude of the agreement in a public statement regarding the export success:

“The fact that a jet trainer designed and produced with national capabilities will enter the inventory of a European and NATO member country clearly demonstrates the level our defense industry has reached.”

AirPro News Analysis

The Rise of Non-Traditional Suppliers in NATO
We observe that Spain’s decision to procure the Hürjet validates the platform’s compliance with strict NATO interoperability standards. This deal suggests a broadening of the European defense market, where cost-effectiveness and industrial participation, such as the “Spanishization” program coordinated by Airbus, are becoming as critical as raw performance. By securing a launch customer within the EU, TAI has effectively opened the door for further exports to other nations seeking to replace Cold War-era trainers like the F-5 or Alpha Jet without incurring the high costs associated with exclusively US-made platforms.

Furthermore, the aggressive 2028 delivery timeline indicates Spain’s urgent need to bridge the capability gap left by the retiring F-5M fleet. The success of this program will likely hinge on TAI’s ability to meet these tight production schedules while managing the complex integration of Spanish avionics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total value of the deal?
The contract is valued at approximately €2.6 billion ($3 billion).

When will the aircraft be delivered?
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028 and conclude in 2036.

What aircraft is the Hürjet replacing?
The Hürjet will replace the Spanish Air and Space Force’s aging fleet of Northrop F-5M Freedom Fighters.

Who are the key industrial partners?
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is the manufacturer, while Airbus Defence and Space will coordinate industrial participation in Spain.

Sources

• Turkish Minute