Turkish Hurjet Prototype Arrives In Spain For Evaluation To Replace SF-5M Jet Trainers | Aviation

Spain has been seeking a new generation jet trainer, of the same category of the Hurjet, to replace the 19 Northrop SF-5M aircraft, with plans to induct the new jets by 2028.

The prototype of the TAI Hurjet advanced jet trainer has arrived in Spain at Torrejon air base, near Madrid, after reports from Turkey mentioned that the domestically developed aircraft was set to head to Spain to be evaluated as a possible replacement for the SASF (Spanish Air and Space Force) aging SF-5M Freedom Fighter training aircraft.

Turkiye Today added that Madrid has offered to pay for 24 of the Hurjets through a barter deal, transferring to Turkey six A400M aircraft which are not needed by the SASF. Ankara had been seeking to expand its A400 fleet, which currently counts ten aircraft, amid budget constraints.

Quoting Defence Turkey Magazine, the reports said that “originally, a delegation from SASF, including pilots, was expected to visit TAI facilities in Ankara later in July or August to inspect Hurjet.” The report later added that the decision to send Hurjet directly to Spain “came as a surprise,” with the jet flying accompanied by an A400M and fuel stops in Belgrade(Serbia), Brescia (Italy) and Mont de Marsan (France).

The Hurjet is a twin-seat, single-engine supersonic “new-generation” jet trainer,…