Türkiye, Spain sign €2.6 billion deal for HURJET training jets

Türkiye and Spain have signed a significant €2.6 billion agreement for the Spanish Air Force to purchase 30 light training jets from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) starting in 2028.

The deal, announced on December 30 by Türkiye's defence industry authority, marks the first international sale of TAI’s HURJET training jet, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media. 

The agreement includes cooperation with Airbus, which was formalised earlier in July as part of the procurement discussions. Turkish Aerospace Industries will deliver the HURJET aircraft from 2028 through to 2036, according to the defence authority’s statement.

"This agreement is a high-value-added and multi-dimensional defence industry export package," said Haluk Gorgun, Chairman of Türkiye's defence industry authority.

He added that the deal not only involves the export of HURJET jets but also incorporates an integrated training architecture, maintenance infrastructure, and long-term operational support.

The deal is also expected to strengthen defence industry cooperation between NATO allies Türkiye and Spain.

In recent years, Türkiye has focused on reducing its dependence on foreign defence providers, ramping up its own defence production. The country is currently working on the development of its first indigenous fighter jet, the KAAN, as well as the "Steel Dome" air defence system.

By Sabina Mammadli