MADRID / ANKARA — Spain’s Ministry of Defence has finalized a €2.6 billion ($3.06 billion) contract for 30 TAI Hürjet advanced jet trainers, formally selecting the Turkish-built aircraft to replace the Spanish Air and Space Force’s aging Northrop F-5 (AE.9) fleet.

The acquisition is part of the Integrated Training System – Combat (ITS-C) program, with Airbus Defence and Space appointed as national industrial coordinator. The agreement marks the first major European and NATO export of the Hürjet by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

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Program Overview

  • Aircraft: 30 × TAI Hürjet

  • Contract Value: €2.6 billion ($3.06 billion)

  • Prime Integrator: Airbus Defence and Space

  • Operator: Spanish Air and Space Force

  • Base: Talavera la Real Air Base, Extremadura

Implementation Phases

Phase One: Initial Operational Capability (2028–2029)
Spain will receive all 30 aircraft in baseline configuration to meet immediate training needs. The aircraft will support advanced fighter training at Talavera la Real, home of the Fighter and Attack School.

Phase Two: Spanish-Specific Conversion (2031–2035)
Airbus will lead the integration of national mission systems, avionics computers, communications suites, and weapon simulation capabilities.

  • First 2 aircraft: Modified at Airbus Getafe

  • Remaining 28 aircraft: Converted at a newly established Aircraft Conversion Centre in Spain

Integrated Training System

Airbus will deliver a complete training ecosystem alongside the aircraft, including:

  • Ground-Based Training: High-fidelity simulators and AI-enabled performance assessment tools

  • Logistics & Sustainment: Long-term maintenance and fleet support

  • Data Sovereignty: Full Spanish control of mission software, training data, and communications systems

Strategic Significance

The selection of the Hürjet highlights a notable shift in European defense procurement and reflects the growing maturity of Türkiye’s aerospace industry. For Spain, the supersonic trainer will prepare pilots for 4th- and 5th-generation combat aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon and the future FCAS.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2028, with the ITS-C system expected to reach full operational capability by 2035.