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Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and GE Aerospace have signed an agreement for F404 engines to power Türkiye's Hurjet advanced jet trainer, the companies announced Tuesday, marking a critical milestone in the program's path toward serial production and international deployment.
"Hurjet Jet Trainer Aircraft represents a major step forward for Turkish Aerospace's aviation and defense capabilities, and this agreement marks a critical milestone for the program," TAI President and CEO Mehmet Demiroglu said.
"This agreement further strengthens our vision and industrial capabilities," he noted.
GE Aerospace Vice President for Global Sales and Business Development for Defense and Systems Rita Flaherty said the company was "honored by TAI's trust in GE Aerospace as a propulsion partner," adding that GE Aerospace was proud to support TAI "as Hurjet takes its place on the global stage and to contribute to Türkiye's continued rise as a key player in the defense and aviation ecosystem."
Hurjet is powered by GE Aerospace's F404 turbofan, a combat-proven engine widely used in advanced training and fighter aircraft worldwide.
Aircraft powered by the F404 are in service or on order with 16 countries, reflecting the engine's standing as one of the most versatile turbofans in its class.
The agreement covers engine supply and integration, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul cooperation, providing a foundation for Hurjet's long-term operational sustainability. GE Aerospace's technical support for new prototype flight testing is also envisioned as part of the deal.
The latest contract builds on a strategic partnership of nearly four decades between GE Aerospace and TAI. Their joint venture, TUSAS Engine Industries (TEI), was established in 1985 and has become one of the region's leading aerospace partnerships.
The broader GE Aerospace-TAI relationship spans F110 engines powering the Turkish Air Force's F-16 fleet, the F110-powered KAAN, and now the F404-powered Hurjet.
Two memoranda of understanding signed at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow and at IDEF 2025 laid the groundwork for the formal contract.
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Hurjet is a single-engine, tandem-seat advanced jet trainer developed to replace the T-38 aircraft used for advanced jet training and the F-5 used in aerobatic displays in the Turkish Air Force.
The prototype made its maiden flight on April 25, 2023, and has since completed more than 150 test flights, reaching an altitude exceeding 45,000 feet and breaking the sound barrier. It also flew overseas to participate in the Egypt International Aviation and Space Fair, performing a demonstration flight over the Giza Pyramids.
The second prototype completed its first flight on Nov. 12, 2024, remaining airborne for 26 minutes and reaching 200 knots and 10,000 feet.
A second flight followed on Nov. 21, 2024. Serial production is ongoing, with delivery to the Turkish Air Force Command planned for 2026.
Spain has become Hurjet's first international customer.
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