Türkiye’s cutting-edge jet trainer and light combat aircraft, the HÜRJET, has officially entered the European market following a historic agreement between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) and Spain. Signed during the FEINDEF 2025 International Defense Fair in Madrid, the accord enables Spanish defense firms to act as subcontractors in HÜRJET’s production process — a significant step toward Spain’s planned procurement of 24 aircraft for its air force.

The deal follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2024, which marked Spain’s formal intent to acquire the HÜRJET to replace its aging F-5 training fleet. After extensive evaluations of various aircraft, Spanish defense officials concluded that HÜRJET offered the best balance of performance, adaptability, and cost-efficiency. The landmark formation flight between the Turkish and Spanish Air Force commanders in February 2025 further cemented confidence in the partnership and symbolized growing defense ties between the two NATO allies.

One of the decisive factors behind Spain’s choice was TUSAŞ’s unmatched flexibility in tailoring the aircraft to customer-specific requirements — a rarity in modern military aviation. While most Western manufacturers insist on fixed configurations, TUSAŞ offered Spain the option to customize avionics, mission systems, and training modules. This adaptability, combined with HÜRJET’s advanced flight control systems and proven reliability, positioned the Turkish jet ahead of its competitors.

Selling an aircraft to a technologically advanced NATO member like Spain is widely viewed as a strategic success for Türkiye’s defense industry. It not only validates the country’s ability to meet rigorous Western military standards but also opens the door to potential sales across Europe and beyond. Analysts highlight that Spain’s decision could influence other nations — particularly in Southern Europe, the Balkans, and North Africa — that are seeking next-generation training and light attack platforms.

Economically, the project is expected to generate substantial foreign revenue, directly supporting Türkiye’s flagship aerospace programs such as KAAN (National Combat Aircraft), GÖKBEY helicopter, ANKA-3 UCAV, and the HÜRKUŞ trainer variants. The HÜRJET deal represents not just an export success but a key milestone in the evolution of Türkiye’s aviation ecosystem, reinforcing its role as a global defense exporter.