Turkey’s HÜRJET jet trainer program has reached another major milestone.
On August 30, 2026 — coinciding with Turkey’s Victory Day — the first production-representative HÜRJET destined for the Turkish Air Force completed its maiden flight.
The aircraft, carrying the tail number TUS-A020, is the third HÜRJET airframe built, following the program’s two prototypes. Wearing a white factory primer, it spent 18 minutes in the air alongside the earlier aircraft 24-001.
The first flight marks the beginning of a new phase for the program. Turkey has ordered 12 HÜRJETs for its air force, with regular deliveries expected to begin in 2027. The first six aircraft are planned for delivery during the initial phase.
The HÜRJET is intended to replace Turkey’s aging fleet of T-38 Talon jet trainers, with around 68 reportedly still in service. But Turkey’s ambitions for the aircraft extend well beyond replacing an old trainer.
Designed as an advanced jet trainer with light-attack capabilities, HÜRJET is entering an increasingly competitive international market. Spain has already selected the aircraft as its first international customer, with 30 jets planned under the SAETA-II program. The aircraft is expected to replace Spain’s remaining F-5M trainers.
The United Kingdom could be another potential customer. Britain is currently looking for a new jet trainer, and Turkish Aerospace Industries has indicated that it intends to compete for the requirement.
HÜRJET is also being developed as part of a broader integrated combat training system, designed to prepare pilots for modern 4.5-generation and fifth-generation fighters.
The aircraft currently flies with GE F404 engines, while Turkey is working toward integrating domestically developed TF-series engines in future production plans.
And there may be an even more ambitious future for HÜRJET. TAI has previously discussed a navalized version capable of operating from Turkey’s future MUGEM aircraft carrier, although there is no confirmed Turkish Navy order for such a variant.
From replacing Cold War-era trainers to potentially becoming a major export aircraft, HÜRJET is rapidly evolving from a national training program into one of Turkey’s most important aviation projects.
And its first production aircraft has now officially taken to the skies.
