Turkey and Europe Collaborate on Production of Advanced Trainer Aircraft
A new agreement between TAI and Airbus will enable the joint production of HURJET aircraft for the Spanish Air Force
Credit: Turkish Aerospace Industries
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the European corporation Airbus to jointly produce advanced HURJET trainer aircraft for the Spanish Air Force. The agreement was signed during the IDEF exhibition held last week in Istanbul and marks a significant milestone for the Turkish and European aerospace industries.
According to a report by Breaking Defense, TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu stated that the agreement involves the production of 30 trainer jets, which are expected to be delivered to Spain starting in 2028. He noted that the collaboration between the two companies began about a year ago and includes the production of specific aircraft systems on Spanish soil.
Under the agreement, the Spanish industry will manufacture, among other things, the avionics systems for the trainer aircraft, while final assembly and system integration will also take place in Spain. This step is intended to ensure the aircraft receive the necessary governmental and operational approvals for use by the Spanish Air Force. Industry sources estimate that the agreement may pave the way for future deals with other NATO member states interested in acquiring the advanced Turkish aircraft.
At the exhibition, Demiroğlu also highlighted other recent successes of TAI. He revealed that Indonesia has already ordered 48 Turkish KAAN fighter jets, and the Turkish Air Force itself plans to procure 100 of the same model. These are substantial orders that reflect the growing international confidence in Turkey’s aerospace industry.
In addition to disclosing these orders, Demiroğlu mentioned that TAI is participating in an international competition to manufacture satellites for the Azerbaijani government. This involvement further strengthens the company’s position as a major player not only in military aviation but also in space and communications technology.
The agreement with Airbus, along with the additional orders and projects, points to a clear trend: Turkey is steadily consolidating its position as a leading defense and high-tech industry, working closely with European nations and its strategic partners.