HÜRJET Deal: Türkiye and Spain Cement Strategic Alliance

A historic milestone in Turkish aviation was reached in Madrid as a formal signing ceremony for the export of the HÜRJET—Türkiye’s first indigenous supersonic jet trainer—to Spain took place at the Airbus Getafe facilities. The agreement, involving Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), Airbus, and the defense ministries of both nations, marks a transformative chapter in NATO-member industrial cooperation.

A Joint Production Model for Europe

Unlike traditional “off-the-shelf” sales, the HÜRJET program follows a co-production model designed to strengthen the defense ecosystems of both countries.

Key Details of the Agreement:

• Production Split: Parts of the HÜRJET will be manufactured in Türkiye, while final assembly and specific components will be handled by local Spanish manufacturers.

• Timeline: Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028. The aircraft will be integrated into Spanish flight training courses between 2029 and 2030.

• Inventory Goal: Spain aims to have 30 HÜRJET aircraft in its inventory by 2035, replacing its aging F-5 fleet.

• Economic Impact: The project is expected to create 2,500 jobs and serve as a “locomotive” for further high-tech collaborations.

“Reliable Friend Türkiye”

During the ceremony, Spanish Secretary of State for Defense Maria Amparo Valcarce Garcia lauded Türkiye as a “reliable friend” and a strategic partner. She emphasized that the HÜRJET is critical for Spain’s “strategic autonomy” in the 21st century.

Haluk Görgün, President of the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB), echoed this sentiment, stating:

“This is not an end, but a beginning. Our industry today creates cost-effective, high-function solutions that meet the needs of our own security forces while gaining global recognition. This cooperation sets an example for NATO allies.”

Expanding Bilateral Ties

The deal is the latest engine driving the rapidly growing relationship between the two Mediterranean nations. Ambassador Nüket Küçükel Ezberci noted that the trade volume between Türkiye and Spain has surged from $19.3 billion to $26.6 billion in recent years, with the defense sector acting as the primary catalyst.

Airbus officials described the partnership as a “long-term, light-filled path,” suggesting that the HÜRJET could eventually be marketed to third-party countries as a premier trainer for next-generation fighter pilots. Spanish engineering firms, such as Indra and ITP, also praised the “extraordinary capacity” of Turkish engineers, citing over 20 years of successful collaboration.

Source: bigpara