Turkiye, Spain To Jointly Produce Hürjet Light Fighter

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has signed a landmark agreement with the Spanish Defense Ministry and Airbus for the co-production of the Hürjet light attack and advanced jet trainer aircraft. The deal was announced during the International Defense and Security Exhibition (FEINDEF 2025) held in Madrid, signaling Türkiye’s growing footprint in the global defense industry.

A Strategic Aerospace Partnership

The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) paves the way for Turkiye Hürjet aircraft to be exported to Spain and jointly manufactured with localized subsystems. This collaboration marks the first such agreement between Türkiye and a NATO-aligned European Union member for the advanced Hürjet platform.

The deal includes not only the delivery of Hürjet aircraft but also the establishment of production infrastructure and subsystem development in Spain, highlighting a deepening industrial defense cooperation. TAI’s General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu described the deal as a milestone for Türkiye’s defense sector, one that positions the Hürjet as a competitive player in the international market.

What Is Hürjet? Features and Capabilities

The Hürjet is Türkiye’s first domestically developed jet trainer and light attack aircraft. Initiated in 2017 by Turkish Aerospace Industries, the Hürjet was developed to replace the T-38 advanced jet trainers and the F-5 aircraft used in aerobatic roles within the Turkish Air Force.

Hürjet features a single-engine, tandem-seat cockpit, and a state-of-the-art avionics suite, making it suitable for both training and light combat missions. The aircraft is 13.6 meters long with a wingspan of 9.5 meters, and it has a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet. Its payload capacity of 3,400 kilograms (7,500 pounds) and maximum speed of Mach 1.4 make it a standout in its category.

According to defense analysts, these specifications position Hürjet as a cost-effective, versatile, and modern solution for countries looking to upgrade their training aircraft or acquire lightweight fighter capabilities.

Spain as a Strategic Partner in Defense Manufacturing

Under the MoU, Spain will not only receive Hürjet aircraft but will also play a role in producing key subsystems and components. This will include the integration and configuration of Spain-specific variants, reflecting a tailored approach to joint manufacturing.

Demiroğlu noted that this is the first time TAI will perform aircraft integration operations outside of Türkiye. “We used to do all of Hürjet’s integration in Türkiye, but now we will also do it in Spain. This opens doors to new possibilities and partnerships across Europe and beyond,” he said.

By partnering with Airbus and the Spanish defense ecosystem, Türkiye is taking a major step toward defense industrial cooperation with Western allies, which could lead to future projects in aircraft design, avionics, and system integration.

Boosting Türkiye’s Defense Export Potential

This agreement is also a win for Türkiye’s growing defense export ambitions. In recent years, Turkish defense companies have made headlines with successful platforms like Bayraktar drones, the T129 ATAK helicopter, and now Hürjet. The co-production deal with Spain showcases the increasing global demand for Turkish-made military hardware.

Demiroğlu emphasized that Hürjet’s design makes it an ideal solution for NATO and non-NATO countries alike. “It’s a highly practical aircraft with strong export potential for both training and light attack roles,” he explained. “This deal will likely open up further export opportunities in Europe, Latin America, and Asia.”

Also read this: China’s J-10C Fighter Jet To Make Debut At Paris Air Show 2025

A Win-Win for NATO Defense Capabilities

As NATO continues to modernize its aerial capabilities, the Hürjet offers a cost-effective solution for member states seeking to replace older aircraft while benefiting from newer, modular platforms. The inclusion of Spain in the production line not only enhances NATO’s interoperability but also strengthens ties between allied defense industries.

This Türkiye-Spain defense partnership demonstrates how emerging technologies and mutual interests can reshape regional defense dynamics. With the groundwork now laid for Hürjet’s integration into European defense infrastructure, other NATO countries may soon follow suit.

The co-production of the Hürjet light attack and jet trainer aircraft in Spain marks a pivotal development in Türkiye’s defense export history. It reflects the growing international trust in Turkish defense technologies and opens up new frontiers for cooperation with NATO allies.

Keep connected with us at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram & TikTok for latest defense happening around the globe.