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Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) CEO Mehmet Demiroglu said the Hurjet jet trainer’s export to Spain has opened doors to international markets, with talks underway with multiple countries.
He also announced plans for 22 Hurkus deliveries, Hurjet's delivery configuration flight and a "stealthier" Anka-3 flight in 2026.
Spain's prestigious aviation magazine Avion Revue featured Hurjet on its cover following the signed contract for deliveries beginning in 2028, when the Turkish jet trainer will replace Spain's F-5 (AE.09) aircraft.
"Hurjet is much more than a training aircraft. Developed with a philosophy focused on high performance and advanced system integration, this platform reflects Türkiye's vision for modern air forces," Demiroglu told the magazine.
The Hurjet program has completed over 360 sorties, exceeding 280 flight hours since its first flight 33 months ago.
Demiroglu said Spain's decision will pave the way for new international collaborations.
"The global aviation market continues to remain dynamic. Our negotiations with multiple countries and potential partners are ongoing. Spain's decision will be a strong reference point that will pave the way for new international collaborations," he noted.
"Hurjet's journey is just beginning—this is a long and steady path," Demiroglu said.
Explaining Spain's selection, Demiroglu said Hurjet was designed from the start with next-generation architecture compatible with fifth and sixth-generation operational concepts.
"Many training aircraft have been developed with transitional design philosophies. However, Hurjet was designed from the very beginning with a next-generation architecture, compatible with 5th and 6th generation operational concepts. It incorporates sensor fusion, network-centric warfare capabilities and human-machine cooperation principles," Demiroglu said.
"With its supersonic design, open system architecture, low operating costs and modern digital cockpit, it stands out as one of the most capable platforms in its class. It is also fully compliant with NATO standards and allied training frameworks," he added.
Demiroglu outlined the Hurjet delivery timeline, stating, "We will see the flight of Hurjet's delivery configuration in the first half of 2026. By 2027, the test flights of this configuration will be completed and we will start deliveries."
After entering service with the Turkish Air Force (TurAF) in 2027, Hurjet will support Spain's transition to its new training architecture and strengthen long-term cooperation between the two countries.
TAI plans to deliver 22 Hurkus turboprop trainers in 2026.
"For Hurkus, we plan to deliver not one, but 22 this year—that's our current plan," Demiroglu said.
Demiroglu also announced that an updated Anka III with enhanced stealth features will fly by the end of 2026.
"We updated Anka-3 with what we learned from the first prototype and tests. We finished those designs, and serial production started this year. We plan for Anka-3 to fly with more 'ghost' features, let me say, by the end of 2026," he noted.
The final configuration of Anka-3, designed and produced for inventory entry, is planned to make its first flight this year.
Demiroglu confirmed that KAAN's P1 prototype will fly this year, followed by the P2 prototype.
"Most importantly, KAAN's P1 prototype will start flights within this year, and the P2 prototype will follow, also within this year. You know we had made a few flights, but the platforms where we will make the main flights are currently under construction. Toward the middle of this year, we will all see those flights together—this is an important milestone for us," he noted.
TAI is also working on the first flight of its 10-ton helicopter, with Demiroglu stating, "The design of helicopters we designed for the General Directorate of Forestry and will later provide to our military units and Turkish Armed Forces units continues. We will complete them after 2028 and move to serial production."
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