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Spain will acquire up to 45 Hurjet advanced trainer aircraft from Türkiye's Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), a significant increase from the previously announced 25-30 aircraft, according to government financing documents published Wednesday in Spain's Official Gazette.
The Spanish Council of Ministers approved Royal Decree 848/2025, allocating €1.04 billion ($1.2 billion) in zero-interest loans to Airbus Defence and Space for the acquisition of the Hurjet, as part of a broader €3.68 billion defense modernization initiative covering 168 new aircraft and helicopters through 2030.
The Hurjet aircraft will replace Spain's F-5M advanced trainer fleet under the "Advanced Flight Integrated Training System–Integrated Training System Program" (ITS-C).
The jets will undergo customization to meet the requirements of the Spanish Air and Space Force, with participation from Spanish aerospace and defense companies.
Initial aircraft will be manufactured at TAI facilities in Türkiye before undergoing transformation at Airbus Defense and Space facilities in Spain to incorporate Spanish-developed equipment and updated Integrated Training System capabilities.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028, with the first aircraft group ready for familiarization and training for the 2029/2030 training period. Spanish-configured aircraft are expected to enter service starting in 2031.
The aircraft will be stationed at Talavera la Real Air Base in Badajoz, home to the Fighter and Attack School. The program includes full life-cycle support and training for all aircraft.
The partnership agreement between TAI and Airbus to facilitate the export of Hurjet to Spain was signed at the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025), where an initial agreement for 30 aircraft was announced.
The €3.68 billion modernization package approved by Spain includes:
Spanish companies expected to participate in the Hurjet customization process were listed in the official documentation, though specific names were not detailed in the decree.
The transformation to Spanish specifications will be conducted by Airbus DS España, incorporating higher-performance equipment developed by the Spanish national industry.
The NH90 helicopters will be assembled at Airbus Helicopters España facilities in Albacete, while the final assembly of the C295 transport aircraft will occur in San Pablo, Seville.
The zero-interest loans, standard for defense programs, require no guarantees and extend on a multi-year basis through 2030.
The Spanish Army will utilize NH90 helicopters for tactical maneuver missions, the Air Force for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, and the Navy for amphibious tactical transport, with potential future versions also serving in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare roles.
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