Madrid has signed a major agreement with Turkey for 45 HÜRJET training and light attack aircraft, marking a turning point for NATO, Ankara, and European industry.
In summary
At the end of October 2025, Spain approved a €3.12 billion contract for the acquisition of 45 advanced HÜRJET training and light attack aircraft developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The agreement, which includes a complete training platform (simulators, logistical support, ground systems), replaces the aging fleet of F-5/AE.09 aircraft of the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028, with entry into service around 2029-2030. For Turkey, this agreement represents its largest export to a NATO member country to date. For Spain, it is a step towards autonomy in pilot training and industrial cooperation with Airbus and Spanish companies. At the European and NATO level, the contract raises questions about industrial balance, the standardization of fighter pilot training, and the common defense strategy.
Details of the signed contract
On October 28, 2025, the Spanish Council of Ministers approved the program called “Integrated Training System-Spain (ITS-C),” based on TAI’s HÜRJET aircraft. The amount of €3.12 billion covers the purchase of 45 aircraft, as well as a package including flight simulators, computer-assisted training stations, instructor training, initial logistical support, and integration into the Spanish structure.
According to the documents, this contract replaces the F-5s (designated AE.09 in the training version) still in service as transition aircraft to modern fighters. The schedule calls for the first deliveries to begin in 2028, with entry into service for flight training in 2029-2030.
The industrial details are also noteworthy: initial manufacturing will take place in Turkey at TAI’s factories, but a significant portion of the equipment (avionics, communications, structural components) will be adapted in Spain via Airbus Defence and Space España and a consortium of around 15 Spanish companies (Indra, Aernnova, Aciturri, GMV, Sener). This allows Madrid to guarantee participation in the national industry.
Another point: the contract runs until November 30, 2035, with no possibility of extension, which sets a precise framework for the implementation and completion of the system’s renovation.
Why 45 aircraft and what is the scope for Spain?
The number of 45 aircraft may seem high for a training and light attack aircraft, but the stakes for Spain are multiple. First, the Air and Space Training Wing (~ Ala 79 in Talavera la Real-Badajoz) must absorb the complete renewal of training for future fighters (Eurofighter Typhoon, etc.). The high number ensures a sufficient training fleet for a large number of pilots and transition missions.
Second, the dual aspect of the aircraft (advanced training + light attack) gives Madrid flexible capabilities. The HÜRJET can be used to train pilots, but also in light combat or support scenarios, which justifies a larger fleet.
Finally, Spain is seeking to optimize costs through economies of scale and to create a national standard for NATO-compatible advanced training. The ITS-C program aims to cover all phases of training, up to integration into a modern fighter squadron.
For Spanish industry, the program is also a lever for sovereignty: by customizing the HÜRJET to Spanish specifications via Airbus, Madrid is strengthening its aeronautics industry and engineering capabilities.
What this means for Turkey and Turkish industry
For Turkey, this agreement is a major industrial victory: a European Union country that is a member of NATO is purchasing an aircraft developed in Turkey. This is TAI’s largest export to date to a European country.
It validates the growing expertise of Turkish aviation and TAI’s ability to produce a modern platform (HÜRJET) capable of competing with Western aircraft in the training and light attack market. The HÜRJET is equipped with a GE F404-GE-102 engine (United States) but incorporates Turkish systems and now Spanish components.
For Turkish industry, the contract also makes it possible to increase production rates, expand the range of potential customers, and ensure future development towards export or multi-role variants. It strengthens Turkey’s position in the global military aviation market.
Politically, the agreement improves Turkey-Spain relations and, more broadly, Turkey-European Union relations in the field of defense. It may open the door to further cooperation within NATO and Europe.
Implications for NATO and Europe
Spain’s purchase of the HÜRJET raises several strategic considerations within NATO and Europe. First, for NATO, it is a signal that training capabilities can be standardized but also diversified. A Turkish aircraft in a European air force can complicate issues of compatibility, maintenance, and interoperability. This point is mentioned in the program documentation: the Spanish aircraft will be adapted to local standards via Airbus.
At the European level, this agreement raises questions about the EU aerospace industry and its priorities. While programs such as FCAS (France/Germany/Spain) and Tempest (United Kingdom) are moving forward, choosing a non-European (but Turkish) aircraft may raise questions about industrial cohesion, the European value chain, and strategic sovereignty.
For Spain, however, the agreement follows the logic of rapid modernization at controlled costs, while involving Spanish industry. It allows Madrid to equip its forces with a modern system as early as 2029-2030, instead of waiting for a European program that may take longer.
Finally, the agreement strengthens advanced training for European pilots, as ITS-C will incorporate modern simulators, digital tools, and NATO-compatible platforms. It may become a regional model for shared training.
Industrial levers and associated risks
The €3.12 billion contract covers not only the aircraft, but the entire training ecosystem. The initial cost, estimated at ~€1.75 billion, was later increased to €3.12 billion due to the expansion to 45 aircraft and the inclusion of simulators, instruction, and logistical support.
One of the strategic levers is the transfer of technology to Spanish industry via Airbus and European companies. This secures expertise in avionics, lightweight structures, and training systems.
However, there are risks:
- The tight schedule (deliveries starting in 2028) may lead to delays or additional costs.
- Initial dependence on Turkey for production may raise logistical or political issues
- Integration into the Spanish fleet and NATO interoperability require the HÜRJET to meet all advanced training standards
- The ramp-up of maintenance and spare parts will need to be ensured to achieve satisfactory operational availability
Looking to the future
Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, this type of agreement is helping to redefine defense supply chains in Europe. For Spain, the entry into service of the HÜRJET will pave the way for generations of pilots trained to a modern standard, better preparing them for the integration of future 6th generation fighters.
For Turkey, this is a step forward that can unlock new export markets and strengthen its ability to offer competitive platforms.
For NATO, the agreement increases the diversity of suppliers and technologies, but also requires greater coordination to ensure interoperability and mutual support.
A contract of this magnitude is a game changer on several levels: technical, industrial, and strategic. It brings together the interests of a European country (Spain), an emerging player (Turkey), and a collective framework (NATO). The real challenge will be in implementation, compliant delivery, and assimilation into a homogeneous European training system. If all goes according to plan, this deal could become a model for trans-European-Turkish cooperation; if not, it could illustrate the difficulties of exporting modern military equipment in an allied context.
Sources
– DefenseMirror.com, “Spain Approves €3.12 B Deal for 45 Turkish Hurjet Trainer Aircraft,” October 30, 2025.
– Turkish Minute, “Spain approves €3.12 bln deal to buy 45 Turkish-made HÜRJET trainer jets,” October 31, 2025.
– Daily Sabah, “Spanish govt approves acquisition of Turkish Hürjet aircraft,” October 30, 2025.
– AerospaceGlobalNews, “Spain signs for up to 45 HÜRJET trainer aircraft,” October 30, 2025.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.