Airbus Spain AFJT (Airbus Future Jet Trainer)

Advanced twin-seat jet trainer from Airbus Spain, designed for supersonic flight, light combat roles and modern military pilot training.

The Airbus Spain AFJT (Airbus Future Jet Trainer) is a proposed twin-seat, single-engine advanced jet trainer aircraft designed for military pilot training and light combat roles. Developed by Airbus Spain, it targets the replacement market for older platforms such as the CASA C-101, BAe Hawk, and Alpha Jet. It features a fly-by-wire control system, all-digital cockpit, tandem seating, and a reheat-capable turbofan engine. The AFJT is optimized for supersonic flight regimes, aggressive maneuverability, and combat readiness training, with a secondary light attack capability. The aircraft has been conceptualized with either a Eurojet EJ200 or Safran M88 engine, both rated for transonic and supersonic operations. With development initiated in 2017, the AFJT is positioned to rival platforms such as the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle and Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk, offering a European-built solution to NATO-aligned air forces seeking modern, high-performance trainer aircraft.

History of the development of the Airbus Spain AFJT

The Airbus Spain AFJT program emerged from the need to replace aging training assets across several European air forces. In 2017, Airbus Spain initiated internal development studies to outline a platform that would succeed the CASA C-101 Aviojet, an aircraft introduced in the early 1980s and now technically obsolete in modern air combat training environments. The C-101’s subsonic speed, analog cockpit, and outdated systems made it incompatible with the operational requirements for transitioning pilots to 5th-generation fighters such as the Eurofighter Typhoon or F-35 Lightning II.

During this period, Spain’s Ministry of Defence was evaluating options for a new trainer capable of addressing future operational needs while remaining within a realistic budget. Initially, Spain opted to procure the Pilatus PC-21, a turboprop solution with limited performance capability. However, Airbus Spain continued developing the AFJT independently, positioning it as a jet-powered alternative for other nations still reliant on legacy systems like the BAe Hawk and Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jet.

The strategic intent was to offer a European-manufactured solution, addressing the dependency on non-EU suppliers such as South Korea (KAI T-50) or the United States (Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk). The AFJT was marketed not only for its training capabilities but also for its ability to function as a cost-effective secondary combat platform for light strike or ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) missions.

The first concept studies outlined the use of advanced systems including Fly-by-Wire (FbW) architecture, open avionics suites, synthetic training integration, and modular mission systems. The aircraft’s design favored ease of maintenance, reduced lifecycle costs, and interoperability with NATO standards.

Airbus Spain proposed an initial flight test window in 2025, with production readiness and IOC projected around 2028. While not officially assigned a NATO reporting name, the AFJT has been informally identified within industry circles as the “Future Jet Trainer” in alignment with standard project nomenclature.

By expanding the program’s scope beyond Spanish requirements, Airbus aimed to enter the global market, targeting secondary procurement markets in Eastern Europe, North Africa, and Latin America. The program has since gained recognition for its potential to revitalize regional aerospace ecosystems, particularly in Andalusia and Madrid, where Airbus production facilities are based.

Although no firm export contracts have been announced, Airbus continues to promote the AFJT through defense exhibitions and industrial partnerships, seeking co-development or licensing agreements. The project’s evolution is being closely monitored by defense analysts, particularly in light of geopolitical shifts in NATO’s defense posture and the increasing demand for training platforms capable of replicating complex air combat scenarios.

Design of the Airbus Spain AFJT

The AFJT airframe is configured around a twin-seat, tandem cockpit layout, enclosed under a large, single-piece bubble canopy that provides high visibility for both instructor and trainee. The fuselage adopts a streamlined profile, featuring a sharp nose section housing avionics and forward sensors. The aircraft incorporates a swept-wing configuration, with moderate leading-edge sweep angles (approx. 30°) and clipped wingtips to enhance aerodynamic performance during both low-speed and high-speed regimes.

The wing root extensions improve vortex lift and maneuverability at high angles of attack. The tail assembly consists of a single vertical stabilizer and low-mounted horizontal stabilizers, following a conventional empennage design that simplifies structural stress distribution and maintenance operations.

The aircraft uses a retractable tricycle landing gear, optimized for both conventional runway operations and forward operating base conditions. The landing gear is reinforced for higher landing cycles, in line with typical training sortie requirements.

Internally, the AFJT is designed around an open avionics architecture, with a fully glass cockpit configuration using digital MFDs (Multi-Function Displays) and Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMDs). The flight control system is fully Fly-by-Wire (FbW), providing flight envelope protection and adjustable control sensitivity depending on training phase.

The air intake design consists of two side-mounted intakes, feeding a central turbofan engine. The options under consideration are the Eurojet EJ200 (used on the Eurofighter Typhoon) and the Safran M88 (used on the Rafale), both reheat-capable for supersonic operation. The exhaust nozzle is placed at the base of the vertical fin.

Dimensions (estimated):

• Length: 43 ft (13.1 m)
• Wingspan: 31 ft (9.45 m)
• Height: 14.4 ft (4.4 m)

The aircraft structure incorporates aluminum-lithium alloys, carbon composites, and titanium reinforcements, balancing weight reduction and structural rigidity. The empty weight is projected around 7,500 lb (3,400 kg), with a maximum takeoff weight of 17,600 lb (8,000 kg).

Advantages include modularity, low radar cross-section, ease of component replacement, and compatibility with NATO data links and communication protocols. Drawbacks include program immaturity, limited customer base, and dependency on high-performance engine procurement.

Performance of the Airbus Spain AFJT (500 words)

The Airbus Spain AFJT is conceptualized for high-performance flight regimes, including transonic and supersonic operations. This capability is essential for simulating 4th and 5th-generation fighter profiles in training environments.

Two primary engine configurations have been proposed:

• Eurojet EJ200 turbofan engine, producing 13,500 lbf (60 kN) dry thrust and 20,250 lbf (90 kN) with afterburner.
• Safran M88 turbofan engine, producing 11,250 lbf (50 kN) dry thrust and 17,000 lbf (75 kN) with afterburner.

Both engines are afterburning turbofans, enabling supersonic flight and offering low specific fuel consumption in cruise configuration. The choice of engine will depend on procurement costs, supply chain partnerships, and interoperability with customer air forces.

Estimated performance data:

• Maximum speed: Mach 1.2 (~920 mph / 1,480 km/h)
• Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
• Rate of climb: 35,000 ft/min (10,668 m/min)
• Combat radius: 690 mi (1,100 km)
• Ferry range: 1,550 mi (2,500 km)
• Takeoff distance: 1,970 ft (600 m)
• Landing distance: 2,300 ft (700 m)

These figures place the AFJT in direct competition with:

• KAI T-50 Golden Eagle: Mach 1.5, 48,000 ft ceiling, 1,850 km range.
• Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk: Mach 1.3, 50,000 ft ceiling, 1,850 km range.
• BAE Hawk T2: Mach 0.84, 44,000 ft ceiling, 2,520 km range.

While T-50 and T-7A exhibit slightly superior thrust-to-weight ratios, the AFJT benefits from reduced unit complexity, familiarity with European systems, and a lower radar cross-section by design. The EJ200-powered version would provide a thrust-to-weight ratio close to 1.15 at full afterburner, making it suitable for aggressive maneuver training, including high-G turns and energy management exercises.

Fuel system capacity is approximately 4,200 lb (1,900 kg) of internal fuel, with options for external drop tanks mounted on four underwing hardpoints. These pylons can also support practice bombs, rocket pods, gun pods, or training missile simulators, allowing multi-mode mission simulations.

The airframe fatigue life is estimated at 10,000 flight hours, designed with low observable airframe treatments, maintenance-friendly modularity, and integrated health-monitoring sensors.

Variants of the Airbus Spain AFJT

While the AFJT remains in a developmental stage, Airbus Spain has outlined potential variants to fulfill a broader range of missions and export requirements. These conceptual variants are designed with modular architecture, enabling cost-effective adaptation to specific user needs.

1. AFJT-T (Trainer Variant)
   The baseline configuration intended for advanced pilot training. Includes:

• Twin-seat tandem configuration
• Synthetic training environment
• Full mission avionics and HUD/MFD setup
• Fly-by-Wire flight control system
• Non-lethal underwing pylons for training payloads

1. AFJT-LA (Light Attack Variant)
   Modified for combat support roles and light strike missions, featuring:

• Weapons management systems
• Four underwing hardpoints
• Optional 20mm gun pod
• Capability to deploy air-to-ground munitions (Mk 82, laser-guided bombs, unguided rockets)
• Air-to-air self-defense with IR-guided missiles (e.g., AIM-9 or IRIS-T)

1. AFJT-R (Reconnaissance Variant) (Conceptual)
   Designed for tactical ISR roles, equipped with:

• Sensor pods (electro-optical/infrared)
• Data link systems
• Reconnaissance camera bay integration
• Extended internal fuel for longer loiter time

All variants maintain the same airframe, allowing commonality in production and maintenance. Future versions could include single-seat configurations or UAV-adapted prototypes, depending on defense needs and industrial partnerships.

These variants are structured to support export markets, particularly air forces seeking dual-role trainers without maintaining multiple aircraft fleets.

Military missions of the Airbus Spain AFJT

The Airbus Spain AFJT is intended primarily as an advanced jet trainer, but its design enables it to perform secondary combat roles in both peacetime training and conflict scenarios. The AFJT bridges the operational gap between basic flight instruction and multirole fighter deployment, incorporating features typically found in front-line combat aircraft to improve pilot transition efficiency.

The aircraft supports light attack and combat support missions. With four underwing hardpoints, it can carry a range of armament systems. These include:

• Air-to-air missiles, such as IRIS-T, AIM-9 Sidewinder, or equivalents for short-range self-defense and air combat training.
• Air-to-ground munitions, including Mk 82 general-purpose bombs, laser-guided bombs (GBU-12/GBU-16), and unguided rocket pods (e.g., 70 mm).
• Gun pods, such as 20 mm DEFA-type cannons, adaptable for close air support and target suppression.
• Electronic countermeasure pods and reconnaissance sensors for specific mission profiles.

In peacetime, the AFJT will be used for:

• Basic fighter maneuver (BFM) training
• Air combat maneuvering (ACM)
• Weapon systems training
• Synthetic threat environment simulation
• Tactical navigation and strike simulation

In conflict scenarios, the AFJT can operate in:

• Close air support (CAS)
• Armed reconnaissance
• Border surveillance and low-intensity engagement
• Forward air control (FAC)

Although not intended as a frontline fighter, the AFJT’s weapons integration capability, modular avionics, and afterburning engine make it suitable for asymmetric conflict zones, particularly where full-capability fighters are unnecessary or economically unviable.

When compared to similar platforms:

• The KAI T-50 Golden Eagle supports similar weapons loads but has a slightly higher top speed.
• The BAE Hawk T2, while combat-capable, lacks the supersonic envelope and modern modular cockpit design of the AFJT.
• The T-7A Red Hawk is limited in operational deployment for light strike roles due to its primary training focus.

Despite its capability, the AFJT has not yet secured export contracts. The Spanish Air Force selected the Pilatus PC-21 for its immediate trainer requirements, but this turboprop lacks the AFJT’s air combat training environment fidelity. Airbus continues to market the AFJT to Eastern European NATO members, Middle Eastern clients, and Latin American air forces seeking low-cost dual-role trainers.

As of 2025, the AFJT remains in pre-production, with first flight expected by late 2025 and Initial Operating Capability (IOC) by 2028. Its future adoption depends on export interest, funding agreements, and potential industrial cooperation initiatives across European defense markets.

The aircraft is not yet in active service, and no announcements have been made regarding replacement or cancellation. If successful, the AFJT could serve up to 30 years, especially in support, training, and auxiliary combat roles within middle-tier air forces or joint NATO air academies.