Strategic Agreement Signed at IDEF
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Airbus have formalized a strategic partnership at the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul. The agreement focuses on the joint production of the Hurjet advanced jet trainer to fulfill Spain’s jet trainer procurement needs, according to TAI.
Spain Eyeing 30 Hurjet Aircraft
Spain is currently in negotiations to acquire 30 Hurjet aircraft. TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu told Breaking Defense that he anticipates the deal to be finalized by the end of the year, with deliveries starting in 2028. „We have been working on this project almost a year now,” he said.
Two-Phase Procurement Program
Demiroğlu outlined a two-phase approach for the joint production program. In the first phase, Spain will receive 15 to 20 Hurjet aircraft in a configuration similar to those delivered to the Turkish Air Force, allowing for immediate use.
Spanish Production of Aircraft Components
The second phase involves Spanish production of certain aircraft parts, though full production in Spain is deemed unfeasible. Avionics and control parts are expected to be manufactured in Spain, pending further determination of specific subsystems.
Hurjet with Spanish Configuration
„The second phase will [take place] by the time all the modification and testing and adaptation of the Spain subsystems will be done and we will start integrating those into Hurjet in Spain,” Demiroğlu explained. „At the end of this phase, all aircrafts will be using the selected subsystems from Spain. So it will have a supplemental type certificate for Spain configuration.”
TAI Seeks Further Hurjet Exports
TAI is actively pursuing export opportunities for the Hurjet to other NATO countries and allies.
Other TAI Developments
Demiroğlu also discussed TAI’s fifth-generation fighter jet, KAAN. The recent order of 48 KAAN fighter jets by the Indonesian air force was seen as a significant confidence boost. The Turkish air force is expected to order 100 KAAN jets, which Demiroğlu believes will positively influence other countries considering fifth-generation aircraft. He also mentioned interest from countries in the Arabian Gulf and Asia, without specifying which nations.
Satellite Deal Competition in Azerbaijan
Regarding a reported competition for an $800 million satellite deal for Azerbaijan, Demiroğlu confirmed that TAI is among the four companies vying for the project. Collaborating with Aselsan, TAI is confident in their offer, citing their experience and strong relationship with Azerbaijan.
TAI’s Five-Year Plan
Demiroğlu emphasized TAI’s commitment to delivering high-quality, competitive products on time within a five-year timeframe. He acknowledged the challenge of manufacturing and delivering an unprecedented number of diverse platforms, ranging from helicopters to fifth and sixth-generation fighter jets and unmanned systems.
