Airbus and Turkish Aerospace have formalized their growing partnership in military aviation with the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on the development of an advanced jet trainer aircraft and integrated training system for the Spanish Air Force.
Announced via Airbus’ official X account on May 14, 2025, the collaboration centers around the Advanced Jet Trainer Aircraft, Integrated Training System – Combat (ITS-C) program, Spain’s national initiative to replace its aging fleet of Northrop F-5M aircraft, which have served as advanced trainers since the 1960s.
Spanish industry, led by Airbus, and Turkish Aerospace have signed a memorandum of understanding to identify and develop potential areas of collaboration on the ‘Advanced jet trainer aircraft, Integrated Training System – Combat (ITS-C)’ programme, which aims to replace the F-5M… pic.twitter.com/14wAoXdTKW
— Airbus Newsroom (@AirbusPRESS) May 14, 2025
The Airbus-Turkish Aerospace announcement follows a December 2024 agreement between the Spanish and Turkish governments to explore joint development of the Hürjet-based trainer.
Airbus to partner on Hürjet-based solution
Under the terms of the MoU, Airbus will bring its experience in design, manufacturing, training systems, and in-service support to the project, working alongside Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the manufacturer of the Hürjet. This single-engine, supersonic advanced jet trainer first flew in 2023 and is expected to enter service with the Turkish Air Force in 2026.
Spanish industry, led by Airbus, would take an active role in the potential adaptation and co-production of the aircraft, which could include final assembly in Spain. The cooperation seeks to support Spanish defense sovereignty by nationalizing key elements of the integrated training system, while also reinforcing strategic defense ties between Madrid and Ankara.
“This agreement reflects the ambition to deepen bilateral industrial and defense cooperation and to respond to the growing operational demand for next-generation pilot training solutions,” Airbus stated.
A replacement for Spain’s F-5M fleet
Spain currently operates 19 F-5M aircraft, the last operational remnants of an original 70-aircraft fleet acquired in the late 1960s. These aircraft serve a critical role in the Spanish Air Force’s pilot training pipeline, bridging the gap between turboprop trainers and frontline fighter jets such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F/A-18 Hornet.
Despite a major modernization effort in 2008, the F-5Ms are nearing the end of their service lives. Their retirement is planned for before the end of the decade, prompting Spain to explore advanced training system replacements under the ITS-C initiative. The country is expected to procure up to 24 new trainer aircraft.
The Hürjet has emerged as a strong contender in recent evaluations, competing against platforms such as Boeing and Saab’s T-7A Red Hawk and Leonardo’s Aermacchi M-346 Master.
