The Turkish military has approved plans to buy a first batch of 15 Hurkus trainers from Turkish Aerospace Industries, with the decision announced following a meeting of the nation's SSM procurement body on 26 September.

Fifteen B-model trainers will be acquired for the Turkish air force under the plan, with a contract agreement expected to be signed within the next few months. TAI conducted first flight with the turboprop-powered type in August 2013, and plans to produce three variants for military and civilian use.

The Turkish air force is in the process of introducing 40 Korea Aerospace Industries KT-1s as replacements for its aged Cessna T-37s. Its future batch of 15 Hurkus Bs will supplement the KAI type, with the service also interested in acquiring a proposed C-model development for use during close air support missions.

Source: FlightGlobal.com