Spain has decided to replace its aging F-5 trainer aircraft by acquiring 30 Hürjet advanced jet trainers from Turkey, marking a significant overhaul of its combat pilot training pipeline. Airbus Defence and Space will act as the national coordinator, leading development of a comprehensive Integrated Training System for Combat, while Turkish Aerospace supplies the aircraft. The program goes beyond aircraft procurement, encompassing simulators, infrastructure upgrades, and long-term support. Initial Hürjets will arrive in a baseline configuration before being modified to Spanish requirements, with Airbus overseeing conversion activities and establishing a domestic conversion center. Deliveries are planned between 2028 and 2029, with final aircraft entering service through 2035. Designed as a supersonic bridge between basic training and frontline fighters, the Hürjet features open-architecture avionics and digital cockpits, enabling realistic preparation for platforms like the Eurofighter Typhoon.
