A Turkish aerospace project aiming to disrupt global jet trainer markets

Countries & Cities · Published 16 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Turkey is developing the TAI Hürjet, a supersonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft. Designed to modernize the Turkish Air Force while pursuing global export orders, it aims to replace aging fleets from the US, Spain, and potentially Japan with a high-tech, indigenous platform.

The Hürjet project originated in July 2017 as a private venture by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). To update national power, the objective involved building a light combat aircraft (LCA) and domestic supersonic jet trainer. The aircraft's name honors Turkish aviation engineer Vecihi Hürkuş and translates to 'free jet.' The project reached a major milestone on April 25, 2023, with the first prototype's maiden flight from Ankara.

Technically, the Hürjet is a single-engine, tandem-seat aircraft featuring fly-by-wire systems with parameter limiting, a head-up display, and an integrated helmet display system. It is powered by a General Electric F404-GE-104 afterburning turbofan engine, providing 53.07 kN of dry thrust and 78.7 kN with afterburner. Designed for armed air policing plus close air support, this model can transport air-to-ground bombs and air-to-air missiles made locally.

The aircraft is currently on a high-profile international trajectory. In 2024, it participated in a tender to replace Spain's F-5 fleet, eventually leading to a finalized order for 30 units beginning in 2028. It is also a candidate for the US Navy's T-45 Goshawk replacement program and has been discussed as a potential successor for trainers in the UK and Japan. Despite losing a 2021 tender in Malaysia due to its novelty, the Hürjet is positioning itself as a viable, modern alternative to established global platforms.

The development timeline has seen various shifts, including a delayed Preliminary Design Review in 2019 and a Critical Design Review completed in March 2021. However, the project gained significant momentum with a mass production decision in January 2022. The first production jet is scheduled to fly on August 30, 2026, marking the transition from a private venture to a major industrial export product.

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