TAI Hürjet

Overview

The TAI Hürjet is a single-engine, tandem seat, supersonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft, under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The first prototype made its first flight on 25 April 2023. The aircraft's name, Hürjet, is the compound word of hür and jet, which means free and jet engine aircraft in Turkish, and also has meaning in honor of Turkish fighter pilot and aviation engineer Vecihi Hürkuş. The Turkish Air Force intends to use the design to replace the Northrop T-38M Talon in the trainer role and also to supplement the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon for close air support. The aircraft is also planned to replace the Northrop F-5A/2000 Freedom Fighter used by the Turkish Stars aerobatic team. A naval version of the aircraft may also be developed. The company also plans to pursue export orders to countries looking to replace older trainer and ground attack aircraft.