Türkiye and Spain Sign Landmark Deal for HÜRJET Jet Trainer and Co-Production in Europe

In a move set to bolster Europe’s defense capabilities and deepen NATO ties, Türkiye and Spain signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday to import and co-produce Türkiye’s first indigenous jet trainer and light attack aircraft, the HÜRJET, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

The agreement marks a historic milestone for Türkiye’s defense aviation industry, as it becomes the first time the HÜRJET platform will be exported and partially co-produced in a European Union member state.

Bilateral Collaboration in Madrid

The signing ceremony, held in Madrid, was attended by high-level officials from both nations, including:

• Deputy Defense Ministers Musa Heybet and Suay Alpay

• Türkiye’s Ambassador to Spain Nuket Kucukel Ezberci

• TAI General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu

• Spain’s Defense Industry Strategy Director General

• Lt. Gen. Miguel Ivorra of the Spanish Air and Space Force

The deal not only includes aircraft procurement but also outlines plans to build production infrastructure in Spain, signaling a long-term defense partnership.

Alpay: “Europe Cannot Proceed Without Türkiye”

Deputy Minister Suay Alpay, speaking to Anadolu Agency, emphasized the broader implications of the agreement:

“This is not just about slogans. Today, we’ve taken a concrete step with a valuable, homegrown product like HÜRJET. It’s a historic day for Türkiye, Spain, and all of Europe.”

He described the agreement as a “signal flare” for Europe, pointing to Türkiye’s indispensable role in ensuring the continent’s security and strategic balance.

“Without Türkiye, Europe’s security is at risk. Today’s agreement proves this clearly.”

A NATO and EU Milestone

The significance of Spain’s dual membership in NATO and the European Union adds weight to the deal. Alpay highlighted that current geopolitical conditions, including regional conflicts and global power shifts, have underlined Türkiye’s rising strategic value.

“Today’s pact with Spain shows how Türkiye is becoming not just a regional power, but a key actor in Europe’s defense architecture,” Alpay said.

The HÜRJET, which combines jet training and light attack capabilities, is a symbol of Türkiye’s leap into advanced defense manufacturing, and this export deal marks its formal entrance into the European market.