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Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) aims to produce three Hurjet jet trainers per month as the company accelerates work on national aircraft and helicopter programs in 2026, TAI CEO Dr. Mehmet Demiroglu announced.
Demiroglu revealed the production targets during SAHA Istanbul's SAHA Sohbet program, stating the company has entered serial production for the jet trainer.
"We want to reach two per month first, then three. Normally, aircraft of this type are produced at one or two per month. We are planning around 2 or 3, depending on the situation," Demiroglu said.
The company currently has 12 aircraft in production for the Turkish Air Force, plus four prototypes. Two prototypes have completed approximately 400 sorties combined.
"Spain's arrival and the extra orders coming from the Turkish Air Force and Naval Forces—which we expect very soon—have accelerated our serial production preparations. We are now thinking in terms of hundreds. We are working toward a production line of hundreds," he noted.
TAI is committed to delivering aircraft to Spain by the end of 2028, which Demiroglu said was a significant factor in securing the deal.
"Spanish officials said, 'I am writing down your promises; the promises you make will be influential in our decision.' And we did them; we did one ahead of time, and we did one two or three days later," he added.
Component assembly for Hurjet will be conducted in Kayseri with subcontractors.
The first Hurjet made its maiden flight on April 25, 2023, and has since completed over 150 test activities. During its initial prototype phase, Hurjet exceeded an altitude of 45,000 feet and broke the sound barrier. The second prototype conducted its first flight on Nov. 12, 2024, remaining airborne for 26 minutes at 200 knots and 10,000 feet altitude.
Delivery to the Turkish Air Force is planned for 2026.
TAI has produced over 100 ATAK helicopters, with 96 delivered. Four Gokbey helicopters have been delivered, with the fifth currently in training.
"We will deliver 10-12 this year. Next year, it will continue with further increases. Gokbey has become a really good helicopter; as the numbers increase, the price will also decrease," Demiroglu said.
The company plans to sell approximately 500 Gokbey helicopters, with a maximum of 100 using foreign engines. The indigenous TS1400 engine is scheduled to complete qualification by 2028.
"From 2028, we will deliver our Gokbeys with our TS1400 engine," he added.
Türkiye's general-purpose helicopter needs prompted TAI to put the ATAK-2 project on hold at the preliminary design phase, prioritizing the T-925 instead.
"We are making 8 of them for the General Directorate of Forestry; we will start their delivery in 2028. Right after that, in 2029 or 2030, the renewal of helicopters in the inventory will come," he said.
The T-925 is targeted to make its first flight this year. The engine comes from Ukraine, though TEI has begun slowly working on the engine for the platform.
Demiroglu said TAI aims to reach double-digit revenues in five years and will unveil surprises and new platforms in at least two areas at the SAHA 2026 exhibition.
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