Airbus Selected to Lead Spain’s New Combat Training System with HÜRJET Fleet

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has officially selected Airbus Defence and Space to lead the development and implementation of the Integrated Training System, Combat (ITS-C) for the Spanish Air and Space Force. Announced on December 30, 2025, this major acquisition program aims to modernize Spain’s pilot training capabilities and secure national sovereignty over critical defense systems.

According to the official announcement, the core of the ITS-C program involves the acquisition of 30 HÜRJET advanced jet trainers. While the aircraft platforms will be manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Airbus will act as the national coordinator and prime contractor. The company is tasked with integrating Spanish-specific avionics and mission systems to ensure the fleet meets the precise needs of the Spanish Air and Space Force.

This strategic move addresses the urgent need to replace Spain’s aging Northrop F-5M fleet, which has served for over 50 years. By selecting an existing platform like the HÜRJET and customizing it with sovereign technology, Spain aims to bridge the gap between current training requirements and the demands of future 5th and 6th-generation fighters.

Program Overview and Timeline

The ITS-C program is valued at approximately €2.6 billion, a figure that underscores the comprehensive nature of the contract. Beyond the aircraft themselves, the deal includes a robust Ground-Based Training System (GBTS) and long-term lifecycle support.

The HÜRJET Platform

The selected platform, the HÜRJET, is a single-engine, supersonic advanced trainer capable of reaching speeds of Mach 1.4. Powered by a General Electric F404 engine, the aircraft features a modern glass cockpit and fly-by-wire controls. These capabilities allow it to serve effectively as a Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT), preparing student pilots for high-performance combat aircraft like the Eurofighter Typhoon and the EF-18 Hornet.

Delivery Schedule

According to the program details, the timeline for deployment is structured in two main phases:

• 2028–2029: Delivery of the 30 aircraft in their initial configuration and entry into service at the Talavera la Real Air Base in Badajoz.
• 2031–2035: A retrofit phase where the fleet will be converted to a fully “Spanishized” configuration, incorporating national systems and software.

Industrial Strategy and Sovereignty

A key component of the agreement is the industrial setup, designed to maximize Spanish participation. Airbus stated in their press release that they will establish a dedicated Conversion Centre in Spain. While TAI will manufacture the “green” aircraft in Turkey, the integration of the “brain”, the avionics, training software, and mission systems, will be led by Airbus and a consortium of Spanish technology companies.

Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the dual focus on capability and industry:

“This ambitious programme seeks to create a state-of-the-art combat training system in Spain that addresses the immediate needs of the Air and Space Force. It will also boost national industry participation, return on investment and capability development, ensuring Spanish sovereignty throughout the entire process.”

— Jean-Brice Dumont, Airbus Defence and Space

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The Spanish Consortium

Airbus will coordinate roughly 15 Spanish companies to supply critical subsystems. Reports indicate that key partners include Indra for simulation systems, GMV for software and mission planning, and Tecnobit (Grupo Oesía) for communications. This approach ensures that while the airframe is imported, the training architecture remains under Spanish control.

AirPro News Analysis

The selection of the HÜRJET over a clean-sheet design, such as the previously proposed Airbus Future Jet Trainer (AFJT), reflects a pragmatic balance between urgency and industrial ambition. Developing a new aircraft from scratch would likely have exceeded the timeline required to replace the F-5M before its structural life expires. By purchasing a mature platform and layering domestic technology on top, Spain secures an immediate solution while retaining control over the high-value systems that define modern air combat training.

Furthermore, this system is explicitly designed as a bridge to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The inclusion of “Live, Virtual, and Constructive” (LVC) technologies will allow student pilots to train in real jets while interacting with virtual wingmen and threats, a critical skill for the 6th-generation warfare environment Spain is developing alongside France and Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total value of the contract? The estimated value of the contract is approximately €2.6 billion, covering the 30 aircraft, simulators, and support systems.

Where will the new aircraft be based? The fleet will be stationed at the Talavera la Real Air Base in Badajoz, which houses the Spanish Air and Space Force’s Fighter and Attack School.

Will the aircraft be built in Spain? The basic airframes will be manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries in Turkey. However, Airbus will establish a Conversion Centre in Spain to install Spanish-specific avionics and systems. The first two units will be modified at Airbus’s Getafe facility.

What is the “Spanishization” of the aircraft? This refers to the integration of Spanish-made mission systems, communications, and training software into the Turkish airframe, ensuring the training system remains sovereign and compatible with other Spanish assets.

Sources

• Airbus Press Release

This article summarizes reporting by Denton Record-Chronicle and Lucinda Breeding-Gonzales.

US Aviation Academy Awarded $835 Million Air Force Contract for Pilot Training

The U.S. Air-Forces has selected Denton-based US Aviation Academy (USAA) to lead a major flight training initiative over the next decade. According to reporting by the Denton Record-Chronicle and official Department of Defense announcements, the company has been awarded an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a ceiling of $835.6 million to provide Initial Pilot Training (IPT) services.

The agreement, which runs through December 18, 2035, positions the Texas flight school as a critical partner in the Air Force’s efforts to prepare the next generation of military aviators. Under the terms of the deal, US Aviation Academy will supply aircraft, flight instructors, and curriculum to screen and train officer candidates before they advance to specialized military undergraduate pilot training.

Contract Scope and Operations

The contract was issued by the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) following a competitive acquisition process that attracted eight offers. As reported by the Denton Record-Chronicle, the award solidifies the company’s role in national defense and represents a significant economic development for the Denton region.

Operations for the Initial Pilot Training program will be distributed across three primary campuses:

• Denton, Texas: The company’s headquarters at Denton Enterprise Airport (KDTO).
• San Marcos, Texas: A recently expanded facility at San Marcos Regional Airport.
• Peachtree City, Georgia: Operations at Falcon Field, following USAA’s acquisition of Flyt Aviation assets in late 2024.

The program is designed to serve as a “filter” for officer candidates. By utilizing contractor-owned single-engine aircraft, such as the Cessna 172 or Piper Seminole, the Air Force can assess a candidate’s aptitude for flight and teach core aviation skills in a cost-effective environment before investing in training on high-performance military platforms like the T-6 Texan II.

Company Growth and Capabilities

Founded in 2006, US Aviation Academy has grown from a small local flight school into one of North-America’s largest aviation training organizations. The company currently operates a fleet of over 130 aircraft and maintains partnerships with major airlines and universities.

In a press statement regarding the company’s recent expansion into Georgia, CEO Mike Sykes highlighted the strategic importance of broadening their footprint:

“This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our mission to expand access to quality aviation training nationwide.”

, Mike Sykes, CEO of US Aviation Academy

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The company has previously served as a subcontractor for military training and maintains collegiate partnerships with institutions such as Texas Woman’s University and Tarrant County College. These academic alliances allow students to pursue flight training alongside degree programs, creating a steady pipeline of professional pilots for the civil aviation sector.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to award an $835 million contract to a civilian flight academy underscores a broader trend in military aviation: the increasing reliance on private sector partnerships to address capacity bottlenecks. The U.S. Air Force has faced chronic pilot shortages for years, and outsourcing the initial screening phase (IPT) allows the military to focus its internal resources on advanced tactical training.

By utilizing off-the-shelf civilian aircraft and private instructors for the initial phase, the Air Force significantly reduces the cost per flight hour. Furthermore, this contract validates the “dual-use” nature of modern flight academies, which can simultaneously feed pilots into commercial airline pathways, like United’s Aviate or Southwest’s Destination 225°, while serving national defense needs. For Denton and the surrounding areas, this long-term contract likely guarantees stability for the local aviation labor market, insulating it somewhat from the cyclical nature of commercial air travel demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Initial Pilot Training (IPT)?
IPT is the introductory phase of Air Force flight training. It is designed to screen candidates for flying aptitude and teach fundamental skills, such as takeoffs, landings, and emergency procedures, before they progress to military-specific aircraft.

How long does the contract last?
The contract has a 10-year performance period, concluding on December 18, 2035.

Where will the training take place?
Training will be conducted at US Aviation Academy campuses in Denton, Texas; San Marcos, Texas; and Peachtree City, Georgia.

Sources: Denton Record-Chronicle, Department of Defense, US Aviation Academy

This article is based on an official press release from Riyadh Air and summarizes additional industry data regarding aviation compensation.

Riyadh Air Introduces “Employment-First” Scholarship to Fast-Track Saudi Aviation Talent

Riyadh Air has officially launched a landmark workforce development initiative designed to secure the next generation of Saudi Airlines professionals. Announced on December 25, 2025, the “Employment-First” Overseas Aviation Training Scholarship Program represents a significant shift in how airlines recruit and train cadets. Unlike traditional educational scholarships where employment is contingent upon graduation, this program hires candidates immediately, ensuring their Training period counts toward their professional service tenure.

The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Operating under the “Promising Path” track of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, the scheme aims to localize critical technical roles in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

A New Model for Aviation Training

The core innovation of this program is its “Employment-First” structure. According to the official announcement, selected candidates sign an employment contract with Riyadh Air before they even begin their studies abroad. This approach addresses a common anxiety among students regarding post-graduation job security.

Immediate Professional Tenure

One of the most distinct features of this scholarship is the integration with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI). Because candidates are hired from “Day 1,” their years spent in training, whether three or four years, are officially registered as service years. Consequently, a graduate enters the active workforce with significant tenure already recorded on their social security profile.

The program offers full financial sponsorship, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for the duration of the training abroad. Upon return, graduates have a guaranteed pathway into Riyadh Air’s workforce to support the airline’s operational expansion.

Training Tracks and Locations

The scholarship currently focuses on two high-demand technical specializations: Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Commercial-Aircraft Pilot Training.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

Candidates selected for the engineering track will travel to Australia to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. The curriculum covers both Mechanical and Avionics (electronics) engineering. Graduates from this track will be certified to work on aircraft structures and complex onboard systems, roles that are critical for maintaining the airline’s modern fleet.

Commercial Pilot Training

The pilot training track is scheduled to commence in the United States starting in January 2026. This program is designed to prepare cadets for commercial pilot licensing, feeding directly into Riyadh Air’s flight operations. The airline has emphasized that these tracks are open to both men and women, reinforcing a commitment to gender diversity in the cockpit and the hangar.

AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Value of “Employment-First”

The following section is an analysis by AirPro News regarding the market context of this announcement.

Riyadh Air’s decision to guarantee employment prior to training reflects the intense global competition for aviation talent. With industry estimates projecting a need for 800,000 new pilots globally over the next two decades, airlines are increasingly forced to secure talent pipelines early.

For Saudi nationals, the financial incentives are significant. Based on 2025 industry data, the career trajectory for these roles is lucrative:

• Pilots: First Officers in the region can expect estimated monthly salaries ranging from SAR 32,000 to SAR 46,000 ($8,500 – $12,000), while Captains may earn between SAR 55,000 and SAR 70,000+ ($14,500 – $18,600+).
• Engineers: Aircraft Maintenance Engineers typically see monthly compensation estimated between SAR 20,000 and SAR 35,000.

By locking in talent with contracts and GOSI benefits immediately, Riyadh Air is not only meeting its “Saudization” quotas but also insulating itself against the global shortage of skilled technical personnel. This move is essential if the airline is to meet its ambitious goal of connecting Riyadh to over 100 destinations by 2030.

Eligibility and Application

The program targets high-performing Saudi high school graduates. Applicants undergo a rigorous screening process that includes academic verification, English proficiency assessments, and interviews to ensure they meet the Safety standards required by the aviation industry.

Prospective candidates are advised to monitor the official Riyadh Air careers portal and the Ministry of Education’s “Safeer” scholarship portal for application windows. The airline has previously demonstrated its commitment to diverse hiring, having inducted its first intake of 27 female Saudi engineers in 2024.

Sources

• Riyadh Air Official Press Release
• Riyadh Air Careers Portal