Turkey's National Combat Aircraft Program Targets Delivery Of Two Light Attack Jets Per Month

JAKARTA - Turkey in the next two months will fully launch the Hürjet, an advanced training jet and light attack aircraft developed domestically through the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) project.

The head of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the manufacturer company, Temel Kotil revealed, his party aims to produce two aircraft every month after 2025.

Temel Kotil said four prototypes would be built first and would be used during flight tests.

"We are targeting to build six to seven aircraft in the first year in the mass production phase, to produce two aircraft per month and 24 aircraft per year starting next year", he quoted Daily Sabah as January 17.

"After 2025, two Hürjets will leave the hangar and will be delivered to customers every month", he continued.

Turkey's Defense Industry Executive Committee last week approved the mass production of the first phase of the Hürjet.

Answering a question about a light attack aircraft tender being held in Malaysia, in which Hürjet is also participating, Kotil said their plane is a rival to long-flying aircraft.

However, he said, "engineering software is much more capable now, they have evolved. Things have become easier with artificial intelligence, and thus there is no need for history."

"We trust Hürjet. We compete with everyone, we participate in every tender", he said.

Noting that Turkey is now seen as a point of reference in the global defense industry, Kotil said with the work they are doing, they are also training engineers who will continue their work across sectors.

Furthermore, Kotil explained, the Hürjet light attack aircraft was developed and manufactured with the latest technology to compete with its competitors.

The Hürjet project was originally started by TAI in 2017 and is expected to make its maiden flight in 2023. The Hürjet, designed to be a fifth-generation trainer aircraft, will be equipped with an advanced mission computer in its modern cockpit.

Later, the aircraft will be equipped with superior radar and sensitive attack systems, with air and ground communication capabilities, reducing threats and risks.

Dimensionally, the Hürjet will be 13.4 meters (43 ft) long with a wingspan of 11 meters and will provide environmental safety in offensive operations.

To note, the main objective of the Hürjet project is to replace the Turkish Air Force's fleet of T-38 trainers, consisting of 70 aircraft, as well as to meet the needs of potential international customers.

The maximum altitude of the advanced jet is set at 45,000 feet (14 kilometers), along with a payload of 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds) and a maximum speed of Mach 1.2.