By Bosphorus News Defense Desk
Turkish Aerospace is examining a potential role for HÜRJET in Britain's future advanced jet trainer program as the United Kingdom prepares to replace its Hawk aircraft and modernize combat pilot training.
Speaking to journalists at the Farnborough International Airshow, Turkish Aerospace Chief Executive Mehmet Demiroğlu identified the British requirement as one of the international opportunities the company could pursue if HÜRJET meets the operational criteria.
No formal British competition, HÜRJET bid or partnership with a UK company has been announced. The aircraft has not been placed on a shortlist.
Demiroğlu said HÜRJET's two flying prototypes had accumulated nearly 500 flight hours. Four additional aircraft are expected to join the test campaign during 2026, bringing the fleet to six by the end of the year.
Britain's 2025 Strategic Defence Review called for the Hawk T1 and Hawk T2 fleets to be replaced by a cost-effective fast-jet trainer. The Defence Investment Plan published in July 2026 said the new system would support advanced pilot training and allow the Red Arrows to retire their ageing Hawk aircraft.
A future competition is expected to cover more than the aircraft itself. Britain has placed domestic production, employment, systems integration and long-term support at the center of its defense procurement strategy.
HÜRJET already has a European export model built around national industrial participation.
Spain signed a €2.6 billion agreement for 30 HÜRJET-based training aircraft, together with training, maintenance, infrastructure and support. The agreement made Spain the aircraft's first confirmed export customer.
Airbus leads the Spanish program's domestic coordination, with the aircraft to be adapted through Spanish systems integration and industrial participation.
A comparable arrangement could help Turkish Aerospace meet British industrial requirements, although the company has not disclosed talks with Airbus or any other prospective UK partner.
Spain remains HÜRJET's only confirmed export customer, while Türkiye is procuring the aircraft for its own air force. The platform has also drawn varying levels of interest from the United Kingdom, the United States, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia, but none has announced an additional purchase agreement.
HÜRJET was developed to replace the Turkish Air Force's T-38 advanced trainers and the F-5 aircraft operated by the Turkish Stars aerobatic team.
The single-engine, tandem-seat aircraft has a stated maximum speed of Mach 1.4 and a service ceiling of 45,000 feet. Its planned roles include advanced jet training, fighter conversion, weapons training and aerobatic operations.
Britain has yet to announce the structure or timetable of its trainer acquisition. Turkish Aerospace would need to turn its interest into a formal bid and establish a British industrial structure before HÜRJET could become a confirmed contender.
Sources: FlightGlobal, UK Strategic Defence Review, UK Defence Investment Plan, Airbus, Turkish Aerospace, Bosphorus News reporting and review.