DSA 2026 – Hürjet presence at Kuala Lumpur shows Turkey’s ambitious leap into the advanced jet trainer and light combat market

Turkish Aerospace’s Hürjet, showcased in its latest configuration at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, underscores Turkey’s growing ambitions in the advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft segment. Designed to meet the evolving requirements of modern air forces, the platform positions itself as a versatile solution capable of both pilot training and operational deployment

Developed in 2023 as a single-engine supersonic jet, Hürjet aims to replace ageing trainer fleets while offering capabilities approaching those of light combat aircraft. Turkish Aerospace Industries highlights its open architecture design, enabling seamless integration of modern avionics and ensuring compatibility with NATO standards—an important factor for export markets.

From a technical standpoint, Hürjet features a compact yet highly efficient design, measuring 13.6 metres in length, with a wingspan of 9.5 metres and a height of 4.1 metres. Its wing area of 25 m² contributes to a balanced combination of lift and agility. The aircraft is powered by a General Electric F404-GE-104 engine, delivering 17,700 lb of thrust and enabling a maximum speed of Mach 1.4.

Performance figures further reinforce its dual-role positioning. Hürjet offers a range of 1,060 nautical miles, an impressive rate of climb of 48,500 feet per minute, and a payload capacity of up to 7,500 lb, allowing it to carry a wide variety of weapons and mission systems.

Beyond raw performance, Turkish Aerospace Industries emphasises the aircraft’s modularity. Hürjet can be configured for advanced pilot training with embedded simulation, as well as for missions such as close air support, air policing, and reconnaissance. This operational flexibility addresses the growing need among air forces to streamline fleets without compromising capability.

With Hürjet, Turkey continues to advance its strategy of defence industrial autonomy while moving up the value chain in military aviation. Its prominent presence at DSA 2026 highlights a clear intent to secure a foothold in international markets, particularly across Asia and the Middle East, where demand for cost-effective and multi-role platforms remains strong.

Photo by J. Roukoz