Turkey's Hurjet vies for the contract to replace US Navy T-45 jet trainer aircraft
The Hurjet aircraft, translated as 'aircraft of freedom,' is making waves in the global aviation industry. Designed independently by Turkey, this single-engine supersonic trainer and light combat aircraft performed its first flight in 2023.
The Hurjet is currently undergoing refinement, with the focus on evolving it into a multifunctional platform capable of providing close air support, air patrol, and limited strike missions in asymmetric conflicts. This versatility has made it a contender in various international competitions.
One such competition is the U.S. Navy's effort to replace its aging T-45 Goshawk fleet. Turkey's defense industry has entered the race with the Hurjet advanced trainer aircraft. The U.S. Navy, however, has reduced carrier-based operation requirements for the new aircraft compared to the current T-45 Goshawk, a factor that the Hurjet's developers are keenly aware of.
The Hurjet has secured its first export customer in Spain, which will invest €1.375 billion ($1.61 billion) to fund the development and introduction of 28 to 30 aircraft. This deal marks a significant step forward for the Turkish defense industry, which has achieved self-sufficiency over the past two decades, with foreign dependency dropping from 80% to 20%.
Everything except the engine of the Hurjet aircraft is locally produced, a testament to Turkey's growing capabilities in the aerospace sector. The company representative hopes for local engine production in the future, a goal that could further strengthen Turkey's position in the global market.
The Hurjet faces competition from several established trainers, including the M-346N, T-7, SNC Freedom, and TF-50N in the U.S. Navy competition. However, the Hurjet is competitive against Western trainers like the Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk and South Korea's KAI T-50.
Turkey's success in the aviation sector is not limited to the Hurjet. Turkish companies now sell unmanned aerial vehicles and armored vehicles to 180 countries. In 2024, Turkey's defense exports reached $7.15 billion, a 29% increase from 2023.
The Turkish defense industry's participation in the U.S. Navy competition was announced at Teknofest 2025 by Serdar Demirel, a representative of the Turkish aviation industry. Many countries are showing interest in purchasing the Hurjet for training young pilots, a trend that is likely to continue as the aircraft continues to prove its worth in the global market.
In addition to the Hurjet, Turkey exports two helicopter types: the T129 ATAK, a licensed variant of the Italian A129 Mangusta, and the indigenous T625 Gokbey multirole helicopter designed for high-altitude operations in severe conditions. The service believes simulators and land-based facilities can provide similar proficiency levels before pilots transition to carrier-based aircraft, a strategy that could potentially give the Hurjet an edge in the U.S. Navy competition.
As the Hurjet continues to refine and compete in various international competitions, it is clear that Turkey's defense industry is poised for continued growth and success in the global market.
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