Spain Picks Turkish Hurjet Trainers in Airbus-TAI Partnership at IDEF 2025

IDEF 2025, held from July 22 to 27 in Istanbul, stands as one of the world’s leading defense expos, showcasing cutting-edge defense systems, aerospace technologies, and international collaborations.

Amid the showcase of advanced platforms and partnerships, one announcement stood out — the formalized agreement between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Airbus to support the export of the Hurjet advanced jet trainer aircraft to Spain.

This strategic alignment is not just about aircraft sales — it’s about building a long-term joint-production and operational training ecosystem.

Agreement Details and Timeline
TAI and Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during IDEF 2025, aimed at accelerating the export of Hurjet aircraft to Spain, including collaboration on the Integrated Training System – Combat (ITS-C) program.

According to TAI official Demiroğlu, the final contract is expected to be signed by the end of 2025, with initial deliveries slated for 2028.

The procurement is divided into two key phases:

1. Phase One involves the delivery of 15 to 20 Hurjet aircraft, in the same configuration as those being developed for the Turkish Air Force. These aircraft will be fully operational and ready for immediate use by the Spanish Air Force, helping fill the urgent gap in pilot training needs.
2. Phase Two will incorporate limited industrial participation from Spain, involving localized production of some aircraft components. While setting up a full assembly line in Spain is deemed unfeasible, partial production will still contribute to Spanish industry and workforce engagement.

Why Spain Needs the Hurjet
Spain’s Ala 23 squadron currently relies on a fleet of 19 aging F-5M aircraft for its advanced fighter pilot training. These jets play a crucial role in preparing pilots before they transition to combat aircraft like the Eurofighter Typhoon and F/A-18 Hornet.

With the F-5Ms approaching retirement, the Spanish Ministry of Defense is eyeing a replacement fleet of 28 to 30 new trainers with a total program budget of €275 million (approximately $310 million).

Industrial and Strategic Collaboration
The partnership is more than just a buyer-seller relationship. Airbus, as the anchor of Spain’s aerospace ecosystem, is expected to facilitate technology adaptation and localized support systems for the Hurjet fleet.

The agreement may also include potential offset deals, including the transfer of six Airbus A400M transport aircraft — originally built for Spain — being reassigned to Turkey, further deepening bilateral defense cooperation.

Hurjet’s Expanding Footprint
The Hurjet, first flown on April 25, 2023, is a twin-seat, single-engine supersonic jet trainer capable of light attack missions. It boasts advanced avionics, fly-by-wire controls, and a combat-ready architecture that supports weapons training and real-world operational missions.

The aircraft is also scheduled to replace Turkey’s Northrop T-38 Talon fleet, with domestic deliveries beginning in 2026. A full-scale model of the Hurjet, painted in low-visibility grey livery, was displayed at IDEF 2025, showcasing its refined stealth and modern design.

Global Reach and the KAAN Boost
TAI’s international success at IDEF wasn’t limited to Hurjet. The Turkish company also highlighted interest in its fifth-generation stealth fighter, KAAN, following a massive Indonesian order for 48 jets, giving further confidence to Turkey’s defense aviation exports.

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