The export of Türkiye’s indigenous jet trainer aircraft HÜRJET to Spain has once again demonstrated the advanced level reached by the Turkish defense industry over the past two decades. Speaking to members of the press at the facilities of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün emphasized that this agreement represents a historic and strategic milestone for Türkiye. He underlined that exporting a domestically designed and developed jet trainer to a European Union and NATO member such as Spain is a major achievement in terms of credibility and technological capability.

Görgün highlighted that the localization rate in the Turkish defense industry has reached approximately 82–83 percent, stressing that HÜRJET is a fully indigenous platform. Around 200 local companies contributed to the development of the aircraft under the leadership of TAI, resulting in a modern advanced jet trainer capable of meeting global operational and training requirements. He noted that while production for Türkiye’s own needs continues, Spain’s demand clearly reflects international confidence in the HÜRJET program.

Approved by the Spanish government, the agreement initially covers 30 HÜRJET aircraft with a total package value of approximately €2.6 billion. This package goes far beyond the aircraft themselves, including ground support equipment, simulation systems, maintenance and sustainment solutions, and long-term industrial cooperation models. Görgün emphasized that this structure transforms the deal into a long-lasting strategic partnership rather than a conventional export contract.

Within the scope of the agreement, an “Spanish-customized” version of HÜRJET will also be developed. Görgün explained that Spain’s advanced aviation industry will play an active role in the integration of subsystems and payloads. This cooperation is expected to pave the way for jointly developed variants in the future, which could then be exported to third countries, creating a win-win model both technologically and economically.

Expressing satisfaction in concluding such a major agreement as 2025 comes to a close, Görgün stated that this was the “major deal” he had previously hinted at. He extended his gratitude to all contributors, particularly President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, noting that the HÜRJET export will significantly strengthen Türkiye’s position in the global defense aviation market.