As part of FEINDEF, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed yesterday, May 14, between Airbus and Turkish Aerospace to seek cooperation opportunities in the "Advanced Jet Trainer Aircraft, Integrated Training System – Combat (ITS-C)" program, which will replace the Air Force's F-5M training aircraft with Hürjet advanced trainers.
This collaboration seeks to nationalize the integrated training system, strengthen national industry, contribute to the modernization of the Air Force, and address the challenges posed by the growing operational demand for modern training aircraft.
The Turkish CEO and the Turkish Deputy Secretary of Defense attended the signing on behalf of Turkey. Representatives from the Spanish Air and Space Force, the Ministry of Defense, and the Directorate General of Defense (DGAM), as well as representatives from Airbus, were present on behalf of Spain, along with representatives of the Spanish companies that would participate in the agreement: Aciturri, Aernnova, Aertec, Artificial, Amper, Centum, CESA, GMV, Grabysur, Indra, ITP Aero, Grupo Oesía, Orbital, and SENER.
This MoU follows the one signed in late 2023, offering Spain the development of the Hürjet, which, after several political and military visits, culminated in the agreement signed today. The number of aircraft to be acquired has not yet been announced; the first of which could be delivered in 2028, according to the CEO of Turkish Aerospace.
The role of Spanish industry will be fundamental in the development of this aircraft, the second prototype of which has already flown recently. In fact, one of the Spanish companies, Artificial, already manufactures its flight sticks. The Spanish industry, led by Airbus, will have significant cooperation in the program, "Spanishizing" the aircraft to meet the requirements of the Spanish Air Force. In this way, the Hürjet program presents itself as a viable and competitive option, not only for the Spanish market, but also for export to other countries.
This supersonic trainer can be adapted to both basic training functions and light attack, escort, or even advanced tactical training missions, making it a versatile platform capable of complementing combat fleets. In addition to the aircraft, the Hürjet program will include a complete Ground-Based Training System (GBTS) and the support of simulators and other training materials, in whose development Spanish companies may also participate.
The signatory authorities emphasized that this MoU is a firm step toward greater industrial cooperation between Spain and Turkey and an alliance to coordinate the design, ecosystem, and lifecycle maintenance of this aircraft. This will require technology transfers and integration of national systems, at least for aircraft intended for the Spanish Air Force.
The agreement includes not only participation in the development of the training system, but also opportunities for technology transfer, domestic production, and training for Spanish companies in key areas such as propulsion, avionics, and simulation. Airbus and Turkish Aerospace will establish a solid industrial base around the Hürjet program.
