Turkish Aerospace (TAI) and Airbus’s defence unit have signed a memorandum of understanding linked to a joint promotion of the former’s Hurjet platform to the Spanish air force.
Airbus Defence & Space says the pact – announced on 14 May – aims to “identify and develop potential areas of collaboration on the advanced jet trainer aircraft, integrated training system – combat (ITS-C) programme” for Madrid.
Spain is looking to replace its remaining fleet of aged Northrop F-5M trainers via the ITS-C initiative.
Airbus says it will support an offer of TAI’s in-development model by acting as “national industry coordinator”, drawing on its “design, manufacturing, in-service support and training expertise”.
“This agreement seeks to nationalise the integrated training system and strengthen the Spanish national industry, to reinforce defence ties between Spain and Turkey, and to meet the challenges posed by the growing operational demand for modern training aircraft,” it says.
Offering supersonic performance, the single-engined Hurjet conducted a debut test flight in April 2023, with a second aircraft having taken to the air for the first time last November.
The tandem-seat type is in development as a replacement for the Turkish air force’s Northrop T-38 fleet, with deliveries due to commence during 2026.
Madrid’s interest in the Hurjet emerged late last year, with its requirement potentially to cover the procurement of 24 aircraft.
