The first HÜRJET produced in the configuration intended for the Turkish Air Force completed its maiden flight on August 30, marking the advanced jet trainer programme’s transition from development to the initial production phase.

The aircraft took off following the completion of final assembly, ground testing and taxi trials. It remained airborne for 18 minutes and was accompanied by the first HÜRJET development prototype. According to Türkiye’s Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), the flight was completed without difficulties.

This milestone should be distinguished from the type’s original maiden flight. The first HÜRJET prototype took to the skies on April 25, 2023, after which Turkish Aerospace, also known by its Turkish abbreviation TUSAŞ, continued development and flight testing with two prototypes. The programme has since accumulated hundreds of flights, including tests at supersonic speeds.

The aircraft flown on August 30 is the first HÜRJET built for its future military operator. Its maiden flight marks the start of production-aircraft testing ahead of the acceptance process and delivery to the Turkish Air Force. The development prototypes will continue to support the verification of new systems, capabilities and future configurations.

The SSB says the current initial production stage covers six HÜRJET aircraft. Their assembly is continuing alongside the development programme, while previously announced Turkish procurement plans covered a total of 16 aircraft: four Block 0 examples and a further 12 aircraft in the more advanced Block 1 configuration.

HÜRJET is being developed as a replacement for the Northrop T-38M Talon trainers used by the Turkish Air Force for advanced pilot training. It is also expected eventually to replace the NF-5 aircraft operated by the Turkish Stars aerobatic team. Armed variants could be used for light combat missions, close air support and air policing.

The aircraft is a single-engine, tandem-seat design featuring a modern cockpit and digital flight control system. Its avionics and performance are intended to simplify the transition from training platforms to modern multirole combat aircraft such as the F-16 and, eventually, Türkiye’s new KAAN fighter.

According to the manufacturer’s published figures, HÜRJET is designed to reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.4 and an operational ceiling of 45,000 feet, or approximately 13,700 metres. The airframe has seven hardpoints for external fuel tanks, sensors and weapons, providing a basis for trainer, light combat and other specialised variants.

The aircraft is powered by an afterburning GE Aerospace F404 turbofan. The F404 is a proven engine family used on several trainer and combat aircraft types. GE Aerospace and Turkish Aerospace signed a new agreement in May 2026 covering engines, technical support and continued cooperation on future HÜRJET variants. TEI, a joint venture involving Turkish Aerospace and GE Aerospace, is also participating in the programme and is expected to support engine assembly, testing, maintenance and overhaul activities.

Progress with production is also important for HÜRJET’s first major export programme. Spain selected the Turkish aircraft as the basis of its new ITS-C integrated combat pilot training system. The programme covers 30 aircraft, which will carry the SAETA II designation in Spanish service and replace the remaining two-seat Northrop F-5s used for advanced training at Talavera la Real Air Base.

It was Spain’s selection of HÜRJET that brought Airbus Defence and Space into the programme. Spain will not receive the aircraft in the same configuration intended for the Turkish Air Force, but instead requires a separate version adapted to its operational, technical and industrial requirements. Airbus was therefore appointed prime contractor and integrator for the complete Spanish training system.

Turkish Aerospace will remain responsible for manufacturing the basic HÜRJET platform, while Airbus will coordinate its conversion into the SAETA II configuration. The work will include integrating Spanish avionics, mission and communication systems, developing simulators and the ground-based training system, and establishing maintenance and technical support infrastructure. Spanish industry is expected to account for approximately 60% of the overall programme, although the basic aircraft will be manufactured at Turkish Aerospace facilities.

The first phase of the Spanish programme is scheduled to begin in 2028 with the delivery of an initial batch of 21 HÜRJETs. Airbus will use one of these aircraft as a prototype for integrating the new avionics and mission equipment. The ground-based training system is expected to become operational during the 2029–2030 academic year, while the conversion of all 30 aircraft into the final SAETA II standard is planned between 2031 and 2035.

The maiden flight of the first production HÜRJET marks the beginning of a phase in which capabilities developed and verified on the prototypes must be confirmed on aircraft intended for operational service. Turkish Aerospace will now continue flight and acceptance testing, increase production and prepare the first deliveries to the Turkish Air Force while simultaneously launching the considerably larger Spanish export programme.