DefenseSpain contracts Airbus for acquisition of 30 Hürjet jet trainers
The Spanish Ministry of Defense selected Airbus Defence and Space on December 30 to lead development and implementation of the new Integrated Combat Training System for the Spanish Air and Space Force, including the acquisition of 30 Hürjet jet trainers.
Airbus will coordinate the program as the national lead, working in partnership with Turkish Aerospace, the manufacturer of the Hürjet. The program aims to replace the current F-5 fleet and cover the entire advanced training process for Spanish combat pilots.
The procurement includes conversion of the jets with Spanish content, establishment of an Aircraft Conversion Center in Spain, and refurbishment of the Training Center at the Fighter and Attack School at Talavera la Real Air Base, Extremadura. Airbus will also provide an integrated set of operation and maintenance services at this base.
Deliveries will occur in two simultaneous phases. The first phase involves delivery of 30 Hürjet aircraft in their initial configuration, certification in Spain, and handover to the customer during 2028 and 2029.
The second phase focuses on conversion of the 30 aircraft with national content, with delivery scheduled from the second half of 2031 through 2035.
The first two aircraft will be converted at Airbus facilities in Getafe, while the remaining 28 will be processed at the new national Conversion Center.
“This ambitious programme seeks to create a state-of-the-art combat training system in Spain that addresses the immediate needs of the Air and Space Force. It will also boost national industry participation, return on investment and capability development, ensuring Spanish sovereignty throughout the entire process,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.
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