Türkiye Exports Hürjet to Spain in Landmark Defense Deal
Havelsan engineers began developing the Hürjet simulator three years ago, contributing to cockpit design, engineering validation and test processes.
Türkiye’s first jet-powered aircraft, HÜRJET, opens the door to international markets with its export to Spain, while negotiations are underway with multiple countries and potential partners. Spain's long-established aviation magazine Avion Revue featured HÜRJET, which has signed a contract and will replace the country's F-5 (AE.09) aircraft starting in 2028, on its cover. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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ürkiye’s defense industry has marked a significant milestone with the export of the Hürjet jet trainer to Spain, in a move seen as a breakthrough for the country’s growing aerospace sector.
Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the advanced jet trainer is currently in mass production for the Turkish Air Force. Deliveries to Türkiye are scheduled to begin in 2027, with Spain expected to induct the aircraft into service in 2028 under the newly signed agreement.
As part of the deal, Turkish defense technology firm Havelsan will supply a full mission and flight training simulator system for the Hürjet. The simulator is set to be delivered to the Turkish Air Force in the fourth quarter of 2026, ahead of Spain’s aircraft deliveries.
Havelsan General Manager Mehmet Akif Nacar described the agreement as a turning point for Türkiye’s defense industry, emphasizing that the country has shifted from importing advanced simulator systems to designing and exporting them.
“This agreement reverses a long-standing trend,” Nacar said, noting that Havelsan has developed comprehensive simulator software capable of meeting international standards. The company intends to replicate this export model for other countries that procure the Hürjet, offering integrated training solutions alongside the aircraft.
Advanced embedded training technology
Havelsan engineers began developing the Hürjet simulator three years ago, contributing to cockpit design, engineering validation and test processes. The aircraft features a next-generation embedded simulator that allows pilots to conduct virtual combat and mission training scenarios during actual flights, without relying on ground-based visual systems. This capability significantly extends operational training time and reduces costs.
The company is applying a similar engineering approach to KAAN, Türkiye’s domestically developed combat aircraft program.
Expansion and European ambitions
To meet growing domestic and international demand, Havelsan is constructing a new complex in Ankara that is expected to become Europe’s largest simulator production and integration center once completed.
Officials say the export deal is likely to strengthen Türkiye’s global defense market position as TAI expands international sales of domestically developed platforms, including the Hürkuş basic trainer and the T129 ATAK helicopter.
The agreement with Spain marks one of Türkiye’s most significant aerospace exports to a European NATO member, underscoring Ankara’s ambitions to become a major supplier of advanced defense systems on the global stage.
(Source: Anadolu Agency)
