Turkey’s Hurjet to Make International Debut at Egypt Airshow

The Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Hurjet, a twin-seat supersonic jet trainer, is set to make its international debut at the upcoming Egypt Airshow. This highly anticipated appearance will be the first time the Hurjet performs in front of a global audience, showcasing its capabilities during the daily flying displays. The jet, which made its maiden flight on April 25, 2023, was initially slated to appear at the Farnborough International Airshow in July but was unexpectedly absent.

Although no official explanation was provided for its absence at Farnborough, it has since emerged that the jet, with serial number 24-001, was being prepared for an evaluation by the Spanish Air Force. Spain is considering the Hurjet as a potential replacement for its aging fleet of Northrop F-5s, which currently serve in the lead-in fighter training role.

Just days before its planned flight to Spain, TAI, in collaboration with GE Aerospace and Turkish Engine Industries (TEI), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate the F404 engine into the newer variants of the Hurjet. The MoU also covers local assembly, maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations within Turkey, highlighting the country's ambitions to bolster its defense industry capabilities.

The Hurjet is envisioned by the Turkish Air Force as an ideal replacement for its extensive fleet of T-38AMs, which are currently used for advanced pilot training. Additionally, the Hurjet is expected to take on some roles currently performed by the F-16, further enhancing Turkey’s aerial combat and training capabilities. The Turkish Stars aerobatic team, known for their impressive aerial displays, will also transition from their Northrop F-5s to the Hurjet, underscoring the jet’s versatility and reliability.

Serial production of the Hurjet is anticipated to begin in 2025, marking a significant milestone for Turkey’s aerospace industry. The development and introduction of the Hurjet are seen as crucial steps in Turkey’s broader strategy to achieve greater self-reliance in defense technology and reduce dependence on foreign military equipment.