ANKARA, TURKEY — Turkey joined the ranks of nations capable of mass-producing supersonic crewed aircraft when state-owned Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) flew its production-standard Hurjet advanced jet trainer and light-combat aircraft on Aug. 30. It marks a major shift in Ankara’s pursuit of strategic autonomy as it seeks to expand its defense industry beyond drone dominance into complex crewed aviation.

Serial production of the supersonic platform will serve a dual purpose for Ankara: generating export revenue to fund next-generation projects, like the KAAN fighter, and providing strategic diplomatic and military leverage across NATO and the region.

The Turkish Air Force has ordered 16 Hurjets, a number projected to increase, and some 30 units will be exported to Spain. In addition, the training jet is considered a contender in the upcoming Royal Air Force jet trainer tender in the UK this fall. A Hurjet naval variant is likely to be deployed as part of the new Turkish-made aircraft carrier, MUGEM, which is slated for launch by 2028 and projected to enter service in 2032, further extending Ankara’s global geopolitical reach.

Trainer, force multiplier and export success