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Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is nearing the final stage of negotiations with Azerbaijan for the sale of the Hurkus-II trainer aircraft, TAI General Manager Dr. Mehmet Demiroglu announced in a New Year message, according to Defence Turkey's Ibrahim Sunnetci's report on Friday.
Demiroglu also announced that the Su-25 Avionics Modernization (LACIN) Project has advanced to the second phase (Phase-II).
Additionally, the number of Anka and Aksungur UAVs exported to 13 countries reached 130 by the end of 2025, Demiroglu said, according to Sunnetci's report.
TAI has been conducting various negotiations for some time to meet the Azerbaijan Air Force's trainer aircraft needs through Hurkus, Sünnetci reported.
During discussions at ADEX 2018, assessments were made that the Azerbaijan Air Force could use Hurkus-B for Basic Flight Training and Hurjet for Advanced Jet and Combat Readiness Transition Training, within the framework of standardizing pilot training processes in both countries' air forces.
Azerbaijan Air Force has procured 10 Super Mushshak Initial Training Aircraft from Pakistan, similar to the Turkish Air Force, which procured 52 Super Mushshak aircraft from Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).
If the contract is signed, Azerbaijan Air Force pilot candidates will continue their Basic Flight Training with the Hurkus II trainer aircraft after the Super Mushshak Initial Training Aircraft, within the standardization framework.
In the next stage, the Azerbaijan Air Force is expected to procure Hurjet trainer aircraft for Advanced Jet and Combat Readiness Transition Training.
Turkish Air Force pilot candidates receive their Initial Flight Training on the Super Mushshak and will receive their Basic Flight Training on the Hurkus II New Generation Basic Training Aircraft (YNTEU) at the 122nd Squadron Command starting from 2026.
Advanced Jet and Combat Readiness Transition Training will begin with the Hurjet from the end of 2027.
A total of 55 Hurkus II aircraft will be procured for the Turkish Air Force. Hurkus II, which made its first flight on Dec. 29, 2024, is expected to begin being used for instructor pilot training flights at the 2nd Air Jet Base from February 2026 and enter service in June 2026.
A total of 30 Hurkus II (15+15) are expected to enter Turkish Air Force service by the end of 2026.
The LACIN Project covers equipping the Su-25M Attack/Close Air Support aircraft in the Azerbaijan Air Force inventory with modern avionics and air-to-ground munitions.
Under the contract signed during IDEF 2023, Su-25M aircraft were equipped with Platform Independent Launch System (UBAS) for integration of smart bombs, including KGK-83 (MK83 1,000 lb with KGK guidance kit), KGK (MK82 500 lb), QFAB-250 LG, and TEBER-82 under Phase-I, and live fire tests were conducted with these smart munitions.
A successful SOM-B1 cruise missile test was also conducted via UBAS at a firing range in Türkiye in 2024.
TUBITAK 2024 Activity Report stated: "SOM-B1 firing from Azerbaijan Su-25 aircraft was successfully carried out with the Pod and Platform Independent Launch System (UBAS) developed by TUBITAK SAGE."
Phase-II includes a complete redesign of the aircraft's avionics systems (new digital cockpit architecture), integration of new INS, mission computer, and communication systems, and full integration of GPS-guided HGK munitions and SOM SAHIN (special configuration of SOM-B1 ALCM for Azerbaijan Air Force).
SOM-B1/SOM SAHIN cruise missile deliveries to the Azerbaijan Air Force were announced to begin in 2024. The munitions can be used on both Su-25M and Akinci UAV platforms.
Roketsan General Manager Murat Ikinci said in September 2024: "SOM cruise missile deliveries to the Azerbaijan Army will begin soon. SOM, which will be used on both Akinci and Su-25 platforms, will add strength to the Azerbaijan Army's power."
The SOM cruise missile family has achieved 'ITAR Free' status thanks to localization of critical components, including Turbojet Engine (KTJ-3200), Plug, Radar Altimeter, GNSS Receiver, Inertial Measurement System, and IIR Detector under the National Components Integration to the SOM Project, enabling export to friendly and brotherly countries.
A previous attempt to export SOM-B1 to Azerbaijan in 2017-2018 had failed due to export license issues with the French government over the SAFRAN Power Units TR-40 Turbojet Engine.
According to Flight International World Air Forces 2026 reference, as of 2025, the Azerbaijan Air Force has 15 MiG-29 fighter jets (including 3 MiG-29UB variants) and 21 Su-25 attack aircraft (including 1 for training) in its inventory.
The Azerbaijan Air Force is replacing its MiG-29 fighters with 36 JF-17 Block III aircraft ordered from Pakistan, with deliveries beginning in the last quarter of 2025.
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