TUSAŞ HÜRJET

HÜRJET (Hürjet Jet Training and Close Air Support Aircraft) is a single-engine, tandem-cockpit jet trainer and light attack aircraft currently under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ). It is designed for both advanced pilot training and light attack/close air support (CAS) missions and is positioned as an original platform developed by TUSAŞ, featuring modern avionics and capable weapons payload integration.

Development Process

Project Initiation and Background

The HÜRJET project was initiated around 2017 within Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ) as a national initiative for a jet trainer and light attack aircraft. The objective is to meet Türkiye’s advanced jet training requirements using domestic resources while enabling flexible use of the same platform for light attack and close air support (CAS) missions. The project has undergone conceptual design, preliminary design, and systems engineering phases under the oversight of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB). TUSAŞ is responsible for airframe, structural assembly, and integration. Within this framework, HÜRJET is planned as a platform focused on the dual role of “training and operational light attack.”

Prototype Stages and Testing Processes

Between 2019 and 2022, design validation, composite and metallic structure development, landing gear, and subsystem testing were completed. By the end of 2022, prototype assembly had reached its final stages. In early 2023, engine run-ups and ground taxi tests were conducted. The first recorded taxi tests took place in March 2023, followed by public reports and photographic coverage of HÜRJET’s first flight on 25 April 2023. The first flight report indicated that flight duration, altitude, speed, and “all systems were functioning normally.” One prototype is allocated for flight testing, while the other is designated for structural strength and load testing. The flight test program includes low-altitude maneuvers, speed profiles, climb and descent tests, G-limit validations, and integrated system function tests.

Transition to Series Production and Developments

According to TUSAŞ’s official schedule, after prototype validation, interim deliveries and the establishment of a serial production line are planned. Initial serial deliveries are targeted for the 2026–2027 period. As the flight test phase progresses, weapons integration tests (pylon and payload tests, targeting pod firing simulations) and certification processes (TSO/national type certification, NATO compliance tests) will proceed in parallel. Media sources report that the planned monthly production rate for HÜRJET is initially set at two aircraft per month. The final production rate will depend on demand and export contracts. Reports of a proposed order of 45 aircraft from Spain highlight the program’s export potential, although the official timeline remains subject to government and corporate approvals.

Technical Specifications and Variants

General Technical Assessment

HÜRJET is a single-engine, tandem-cockpit design targeting light to medium mission profiles. The design aims to achieve low operating costs, high training efficiency, flexible weapons carriage capacity, and ease of maintenance. A hybrid metal-composite material structure is preferred, with aluminum-lithium alloys used in critical load-bearing elements and carbon-composite reinforcements in high-temperature zones. The aircraft’s maneuverability envelope (+8g / −3g) is suitable for advanced tactical training and aerobatic missions. The engine selection is based on GE F404-class turbofan engines, chosen to provide high thrust response, acceptable maintenance costs, and access to a widespread spare parts ecosystem.

Technical Specifications Table

The following table is a compilation based on publicly reported values and may be revised as the program progresses.

• Crew: 2 (tandem) — instructor rear, student front
• Length: ~13.0–13.6 m
• Wingspan: ~9.5–9.8 m
• Height: ~4.2–5.1 m
• Wing area: ≈24–35 m²^【1】
• Engine: 1 × turbofan (recommended: GE F404 series, thrust range ~17,600–19,200 lbf)
• Maximum speed: ≈ Mach 1.2–1.4 (sources report Mach 1.4)
• Service ceiling: ≈13,700 m (≈45,000 ft)
• Range / Ferry: ≈2,200–2,600 km (depending on configuration)
• Useful load / weapons capacity: ≈2.5–2.7 tonnes (external pylons + internal configuration)
• G-limits: +8g / −3g (reported for training and aerobatic endurance)

Weapons and Capabilities

• Air-to-Air: Dual-side pylon integration for short-range air-to-air missiles and within-visual-range combat missiles (e.g., AIM-9X type or national equivalents such as Gökdoğan/Bozdoğan configurations).

• Air-to-Ground: Compatible pylon configurations for laser-guided bombs (Teber, LGK), GPS/INS-guided precision kits (HGK/KGK type), and miniaturized and tactical cruise munitions. Some media sources also mention potential integration of indigenous munitions similar to SOM, although feasibility depends on integration and structural certification.

Electronic Warfare and Reconnaissance Systems

The platform is designed to integrate targeting pods (laser designator/FLIR), G-buoy/EO sensor pods, laser designation, and electronic support measures (ESM). Additionally, an integrated mission computer with modern avionics architecture enables digital tactical data links (similar to Link-16) and compatibility with ground and flight command networks. HUMS (Health & Usage Monitoring System) and digital maintenance support software are designed to optimize flight safety and maintenance intervals.

Domestic and Foreign Weapons Integration

TUSAŞ is actively collaborating with national munition manufacturers (Roketsan, TÜBİTAK SAGE, etc.) for integration. Integration of foreign systems (e.g., AIM-9X) is also possible to meet NATO and customer requirements. The final integration list will depend on customer contracts and certification requirements.

Current and Planned Variants

Sources list several proposed variants for HÜRJET, including: a pure training configuration, a two-seat advanced training/operational configuration, an aerobatic display aircraft, a light attack configuration, and modifications for carrier-based operations. These variants are expected to be realized through modifications in avionics packages, weapons load, landing gear reinforcement, and fuel capacity.

Avionics and System Components

HÜRJET features a modern “glass cockpit” display suite, a Head-Up Display (HUD), helmet-mounted display (HMDS) compatibility, an integrated mission computer, digital mapping, simulator integration, and support for live-virtual-constructive (LVC) ground-to-air real-time training. The fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control architecture provides flight envelope protection modes, enhancing training safety. The aircraft is also compatible with night vision goggles (NVG) and equipped with data-link capabilities.

Purpose and Missions

Military Applications

HÜRJET has three primary military applications:

1. Advanced jet pilot training (tactical maneuvers, weapons firing exercises)
2. Light attack and close air support (CAS) missions, providing direct fire support to ground forces
3. Border security and rapid response in low-intensity conflict zones with cost-effective air power support

Civilian and Humanitarian Missions

• Search and rescue support missions (with sensor/pod configurations)
• Aerial reconnaissance and coordination during natural disasters
• Use as a flight training platform in military-civilian joint education programs

Potential Future Applications

• Integrated training networks with high-performance tactical training simulators
• Unmanned variants (unmanned or swarm aircraft applications) and experimental electronic warfare (e-war) pod-carrying variants (long-term goals). Research and development efforts are ongoing in these areas.

Operational History and Achievements

Completed Missions

The successful taxi tests of the first prototype and its maiden flight on 25 April 2023 represent major milestones for the program. Initial flight reports confirmed that flight dynamics, system integration, and basic performance parameters remained within design limits.

Operational Experience

As HÜRJET is still in the testing and certification phase, operational deployment in active combat zones has not yet been reported. However, TUSAŞ’s objectives include integration into training fleets and operational deployment in international export markets.

Initial Successes and Key Milestones

The successful completion of prototype assembly and ground tests on schedule, along with the successful first flight verified by visual and telemetry data, are regarded as indicators of the program’s technical competence.

Spanish Government Approval for HÜRJET Procurement

On 28 October 2025, during its weekly ordinary meeting, the Spanish Council of Ministers approved a contract worth €3.12 billion for the procurement of 45 HÜRJET aircraft from Türkiye. The decision states that the “Integrated Training System (ITS-C),” intended to replace the current AE.09 (F5) aircraft, will be acquired to update, expand, and renew the capabilities of the Air and Space Forces’ fighter and attack pilot training. The contract is valid until 30 November 2035, with no provision for extension.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028, with the first aircraft expected to enter training courses in 2029–2030. The HÜRJET fleet is planned to remain operational for at least 30 years. As part of the project, Spain’s Ministry of Industry is expected to provide a credit line of €1.04 billion over five years.

International Comparable Systems

HÜRJET can be compared with similar-class systems such as the Italian M-346, the South Korean T-50 Golden Eagle, and American light attack platforms. In such comparisons, HÜRJET’s advantages include indigenous production, flexibility in weapons integration, and potential for low operating costs. Its weaknesses lie in the program’s relative youth and limited experience in international certification. Detailed performance comparisons vary depending on specific variants and configurations.