Türkiye’s Hürjet prototype of light attack jet completes first flight with key design modifications.

On November 12, 2024, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) announced the successful maiden flight of the second prototype of its Hürjet jet trainer/light combat aircraft. This second prototype of the Hürjet introduces several modifications, including an enlarged radome, wingtip hardpoints for air-to-air missiles, and splitter plates on the air intakes. The larger radome may accommodate the MURAD AESA radar system, enhancing radar capacity. The aircraft, which flew for 26 minutes, reached an altitude of 10,000 feet and a speed of 200 knots while conducting maneuver tests.
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Intended to function both as an advanced trainer and light combat aircraft, the Hürjet will perform close air support and limited combat missions in its light combat configuration, offering a cost-effective option compared to full-size fighter jets. (Picture source: TAI)

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) plans to begin deliveries of the Hürjet in 2026. The wingtip hardpoints indicate that the Hürjet is entering a weapons testing phase, with the capability to carry Bozdoğan within-visual-range air-to-air missiles. Adjustments to the frontal section align with these functional upgrades as the prototype advances through its testing stages. Notably, the prototype took off with the names of TAI employees and a taxi driver who lost their lives in a recent terrorist attack at TAI’s Kahramankazan facility.

The Hürjet, a single-engine, supersonic aircraft, is designed to replace the Turkish Air Force’s T-38 trainer and NF-5 jets used by the Turkish Stars aerobatic team. Intended to function both as an advanced trainer and light combat aircraft, the Hürjet will perform close air support and limited combat missions in its light combat configuration, offering a cost-effective option compared to full-size fighter jets. This flexibility enhances its potential for export, especially among countries requiring affordable, versatile air capabilities. Development of a naval version is under consideration.

Since the project’s initiation by TAI in August 2017, the Hürjet program has seen ongoing advancements, with the first prototype completing its maiden flight in April 2023. This second prototype’s flight follows other milestones, including a formation flight with the ANKA-3 UCAV in early 2024 and a transonic flight in July, achieving Mach 0.9 at 30,000 feet. International interest has been shown in the Hürjet, which is currently under consideration for Spain’s tender to replace its F-5 fleet and for the United States Navy’s T-45 Goshawk replacement. Competing with other jet trainers such as the Boeing T-7A Red Hawk and KAI T-50, TAI is working with Sierra Nevada Corporation on configurations to meet U.S. Navy specifications.

TAI has pursued partnerships to support Hürjet's development and export potential. In July 2024, TAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GE Aerospace and TEI to enable local assembly and testing of F404 engines in Turkey, as well as to support maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. This collaboration is intended to strengthen the operational and export readiness of Hürjet, as Turkey will gain capabilities to support the engine domestically.

The Hürjet is expected to appeal to various international markets, with demonstrations planned for events such as the Egypt International Airshow 2024, where it may attract interest from countries in Africa and the Middle East. Although TAI’s bid to supply the Hürjet to the Royal Malaysian Air Force was not successful, with Malaysia selecting the KAI T-50, TAI continues to target additional export opportunities.

The Hürjet is set to be available in multiple configurations, including Block 0 and Block 1 trainer models and a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) variant. The LCA version will support domestically developed air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, with a payload capacity of 2,721 kilograms. Performance specifications indicate a maximum speed of Mach 1.4, a range of 2,222 kilometers, and a service ceiling of 45,000 feet. These specifications position the Hürjet as a suitable choice for both training and operational missions, meeting the requirements of air forces for a flexible, modern aircraft.

Turkish military aviation development in recent years has focused on advancing indigenous aircraft across various platforms. The TAI Hürjet, a domestically produced light attack and training jet, completed its maiden flight on April 25, 2023. Additionally, Turkey’s first jet-powered unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), the Bayraktar Kızılelma, conducted its first flight on December 14, 2022. The TAI Anka-3, another UCAV, made its maiden flight on December 28, 2023. Furthermore, the TAI TF Kaan, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, completed its first flight on February 21, 2024. These aircraft developments illustrate Turkey's expanding capabilities in both manned and unmanned aviation technology.