Madrid, December 31 - Spain has finalized a landmark defense agreement with Turkey, securing 30 Hürjet advanced jet trainers in a deal valued at over $3 billion (€2.6 billion). Announced in late December 2025, this procurement marks Turkey's first export of an indigenously developed supersonic jet aircraft to a NATO ally and European Union member. The contract, involving Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Airbus Defence and Space, and Spain's Ministry of Defense, encompasses not only the aircraft but a comprehensive integrated training system for the Spanish Air and Space Force. This Spain-Turkey Hürjet deal strengthens bilateral military aviation ties and positions the Hürjet as a competitive option in the global advanced jet trainer market.
The Hürjet, a single-engine, tandem-seat supersonic platform capable of Mach 1.4 speeds and equipped with modern avionics, will replace Spain's aging Northrop F-5 fleet. Designed for advanced pilot training and potential light combat roles, the aircraft features fly-by-wire controls and high maneuverability, making it ideal for transitioning pilots to frontline fighters like the Eurofighter Typhoon. Under the agreement, deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2028, extending through 2036, with initial units arriving in baseline configuration before customization to Spanish specifications. Airbus will lead the adaptation process, establishing an aircraft conversion center in Spain and refurbishing training facilities at Talavera la Real Air Base.
This multi-dimensional package extends beyond hardware to include ground-based simulators, maintenance infrastructure, and long-term logistical support, ensuring seamless integration into Spain's pilot training pipeline. The collaboration highlights growing defense industry cooperation between the two NATO partners, building on a prior accord signed in July 2025. For Turkey, the export underscores the maturity of its domestic aerospace capabilities, with the Hürjet having achieved its maiden flight in 2023 after development began in 2017.
Overall, the Spain Hürjet acquisition enhances NATO interoperability in advanced jet training while providing Spain with a cost-effective, high-performance solution for modernizing its air force training programs. This over $3B Turkish jet trainers deal signals Turkey's emergence as a key player in military aviation exports, potentially opening doors for further international sales of the Hürjet advanced jet trainer.
