The Spanish Government has approved a €3.1 billion program to procure the HÜRJET supersonic training aircraft developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Named the “Integrated Advanced Flight Training System” (ITS-C), the project aims to completely modernize the pilot training fleet of the Spanish Air and Space Forces.
The program will replace the aging Northrop F-5M aircraft with up to 45 HÜRJET jets. It also includes ground-based training systems and 30 years of maintenance support. The investment gives a significant role to the Spanish defense industry, with Airbus Defence and Space, SAU acting as the main contractor. The aircraft fuselages will be produced in Turkey but modified in Spain to meet Spanish requirements, with local companies supplying avionics and simulation systems.
The HÜRJET is a single-engine, tandem-seat aircraft capable of reaching supersonic speeds of Mach 1.2. Powered by the General Electric F404-GE-102 engine, it delivers high performance while withstanding +8g to -3g maneuvers. Its advanced digital flight control system (fly-by-wire) provides pilots with precise and safe handling, while modern avionics, integrated radar, and data systems give them realistic training experiences. The HÜRJET prepares pilots for high-performance combat aircraft such as the Eurofighter and future FCAS/NGWS platforms.
The training system will be based at Talavera la Real Air Base and is designed to prioritize synthetic training over actual flight hours, reducing costs while providing high-tech experience.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028, with the first group used during the 2029-2030 training cycle to familiarize pilots with the platform. Once all local systems are integrated, the aircraft will reach full operational capability in 2031.
The deal is also a significant milestone for Turkey, as Spain becomes the first European Union and NATO member to acquire the HÜRJET. It demonstrates the technological level of the Turkish defense industry and could pave the way for further cooperation in unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic warfare systems.
For Spain, the program represents a strategic step that modernizes pilot training while strengthening the domestic defense industrial base.
